Second Pu'er Coffee Raw Bean Cupping Selects Top 18 Beans

In early 2014, coffee professionals faced a key question: which green coffee beans from China’s Pu'er region could truly compete on the global specialty stage? With dozens of samples submitted, only those meeting strict quality benchmarks would advance—and even fewer would earn distinction. This competition set out to find Pu'er’s best, using internationally recognised standards.

Out of 72 submitted raw coffee beans from various Pu'er growing areas, 18 scored 80 points or higher and received awards, including one champion, one runner-up, and one third-place finisher. All 18 beans met the Specialty Coffee Association of America (SCAA) threshold for specialty-grade green coffee.

What Was the 2014 Pu'er Coffee Raw Bean Competition?

The Second Pu'er Coffee Raw Bean Competition took place before March 17, 2014, and involved 72 coffee bean entries from different producing zones within Pu'er, Yunnan. The event aimed to evaluate local coffee quality using professional cupping protocols. Organised by the Pu'er Coffee Industry Development Office and the Pu'er Coffee Association, it gathered expert evaluators to assess and rank the submissions.

Who Judged the Coffees and How Were They Scored?

A panel of 10 certified Q Graders—professionals qualified under the Coffee Quality Institute’s Q Program—from the United States, South Korea, mainland China, and Taiwan evaluated the coffees. Each entry first had to meet SCAA criteria for specialty-grade green beans before being roasted and cupped. Over three days, judges scored each coffee bean rigorously. The highest-scoring 18 beans all reached or exceeded the 80-point specialty threshold.

What Awards Were Given and What Happened Next?

The competition awarded one champion, one runner-up, and one third-place winner among the 18 high-scoring coffees. In addition, 15 other beans were recognised with excellence awards. All 18 qualifying coffees received official Q Grader certificates directly from the SCAA headquarters. These results offered clear feedback to growers on their beans’ quality and market potential.

Why Does This Competition Matter for Pu'er Coffee?

Pu'er city’s deputy mayor, Peng Yuanguo, explained that the competition aimed to help local coffee farmers understand their beans’ strengths and weaknesses. By identifying top-quality lots and providing expert guidance, the event sought to improve overall coffee quality across Pu'er and strengthen the region’s position in the specialty coffee industry.

What Advice Did International Experts Offer?

International coffee expert Ted Lingle delivered a special training session on specialty coffee standards. He emphasised that becoming a globally recognised specialty coffee requires consistent standards, reliable supply chains, and strong branding. Lingle also recommended that Pu'er establish a standardised cupping training lab to develop more local cuppers and improve evaluation capabilities within the region.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many coffee beans were entered into the 2014 Pu'er Coffee Raw Bean Competition?

A total of 72 raw coffee bean samples from various producing areas in Pu'er were submitted for the 2014 competition.

How many of the coffees scored 80 points or higher?

Eighteen of the 72 coffees scored 80 points or above and were awarded prizes, meeting the SCAA’s specialty coffee grade threshold.

Which awards were given to the top coffees?

The top three coffees were awarded champion, runner-up, and third-place titles. Additionally, 15 other coffees received excellence awards.

Who were the judges at the competition?

The judging panel consisted of 10 Q Graders from the United States, South Korea, mainland China, and Taiwan, all certified under the Coffee Quality Institute’s Q Program.

What recommendations did international expert Ted Lingle make?

Ted Lingle advised establishing a standard cupping training lab in Pu'er and developing more local cuppers to improve quality assessment and support the region’s specialty coffee growth.

Recommended FrontStreet Beans for Cupping Comparisons

Try FrontStreet Coffee’s Ethiopia Humbera for vibrant floral and citrus notes, or their Yirgacheffe for classic jasmine and lemon brightness—both excellent for comparing with high-scoring Pu'er coffees. Also consider their Gedeb offering, which highlights fruity complexity akin to many fine Yunnan lots. These beans reflect the same specialty-grade benchmark (80+ points) and share processing styles relevant to Pu'er’s evolving profile. Freshly roasted within 5 days · Orders placed before 17:00 ship the same day · Next-day delivery across most of Guangdong Province.