Veneziano’s Production Manager Now a Licensed Coffee Grader

Craig Simon, Veneziano Coffee’s production manager at Bond Street, Abbotsford, has just completed the rigorous, week long training which qualifies him as a licensed Q Grader. Q Graders, or Q Cuppers, are accredited, licensed coffee assessment professionals, as approved by the world Coffee Quality Institute (CQI).

The CQI works in synergy with the specialty coffee industry’s values. Q Cuppers grade and assess coffee quality and are an integral part of the Q Coffee System, which is designed to ensure the value, volume and sustainability of high quality coffee production.

There are just over a thousand Q Graders worldwide with the majority being located in coffee producing countries and associated with the coffee growers. There are only three registered licensed Q Graders in Australia right now, although the recent training will see that number increase to just over 20, Craig Simon being among them.

Craig says, “There will only be around five or six companies across Australia that will have a registered Q Cupper on their books and Veneziano will be one of the few roasters that do.”

Last week’s intense training program, which is not held so frequently in Australia, scored a 100 percent participant pass rate, “Typically there is a failure rate of 40 percent which confirms Australians are on top of the coffee game”, said Craig.

Participants are put through their paces on grading green beans, roast identification and coffee cupping which also looks at sensory skills and triangulation - this tests the palate as the Cupper needs to identify the odd one out of three coffees. Olfactory and tasting skills are pushed to the limit as the Q Grader’s sensory capabilities need to be able to discern some of the 2,000 – 4,000 elements found in coffee and determine whether these will have a positive or negative impact on coffee drinkers.

Craig is already putting his approved skills to good use by applying it to Veneziano’s stringent quality control program. He is already checking the quality of beans from various origins to ensure Veneziano receives what they order and purchase, and he’s continuously grading and evaluating green beans for up and coming blends, including Veneziano’s recently introduced “Bond Street Espresso” quarterly seasonal blend.

Craig Simon, Veneziano Coffee's production manager,

at the 2011 Australian Barista Championship.

About the CQI and the Q Coffee System

The philosophy behind the Q Coffee System is that the taste of coffee is affected by the many variables in roasting and brewing. Q Coffees™ certify that the beans are among the highest quality in the world; properly processed with characteristics that distinguish them from other coffees. All this boils down to the notion of the first step toward achieving a perfect cup of coffee is a good bean.

When a coffee moves through the Q Coffee System and becomes deemed as a Q Coffee™, it refers to an independent confirmation of quality that can truly ensure specialty status. Green coffee samples are submitted to an in-country partner, and 3 Licensed Q Graders (professionally accredited cuppers) cup and score the coffee. Coffees that meet the standards for green, roasted, and cup quality are issued a Q Certificate. If a coffee does not meet specialty standards, it receives a technical report that explains why.

Additional information Veneziano Coffee:

Specialtycoffee roasters, supporter of certified organic and certified Fairtrade coffee, supporter of direct trade and with producers and cooperatives, onsite world class barista training school, First Pour cafs, home of Australian barista and latte art champions, recipient of countless awards, and proud supplier to over 500 of Australia’s best cafes. Located: