What is generally considered a key benefit of conducting coffee cupping sessions?

Conducting coffee cupping sessions is primarily about evaluating and understanding the sensory qualities of coffee. This practice allows participants to assess various attributes such as aroma, flavor, acidity, body, and aftertaste, leading to a deeper comprehension of the coffee's quality. By engaging in this systematic tasting and analysis, professionals can identify and articulate differences in coffee profiles, which is crucial for making informed decisions about sourcing and blending.

While increased customer satisfaction, reduced costs in sourcing, and improved marketing strategies can be outcomes of better coffee quality, they are secondary to the fundamental benefit of enhancing one’s understanding of coffee. Cupping is essential for developing skills in differentiating coffee types and grades, which ultimately impacts all other aspects of a coffee business.