For Immediate Release

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Mike Ferguson on behalf of SCAA
(562) 624-4192
SCAA@freshgroundconsulting.com

SCAA Awards “Coffee of the Year” toC.I. VIRMAX COLOMBIA S.A. OF COLOMBIALONG BEACH, Calif. U.S.A. (April 21, 2009) --- If you’re a lover of specialty coffee, why not drink the world’s
best? At the Specialty Coffee Association of America’s (SCAA) 21st Annual Exposition, C.I. Virmax Colombia
S.A. of Colombia took the title of “Coffee of the Year.” The winner beat out more than 100 international coffeeproducers, by winning SCAA’s 2009 Roasters Guild Coffee of the Year Competition. SCAA is the world’s
largest coffee trade association.
During the competition, expert SCAA cuppers evaluated and ranked the world’s finest specialty coffees. Morethan 30 experienced judges selected the winning coffee by cupping, or thoroughly evaluating the scent andtaste of each coffee sample. The judges specifically assessed six distinct attributes of the coffee samples,
including: fragrance, aroma, taste, flavor, aftertaste and body.
Cupping is a systematic method of evaluating the aroma and taste of coffee and is used by growers, buyers
and roasters to evaluate the quality and flavor profile of coffee.
To properly gauge the taste of the hot beverage, the judges slurped and swirled a soupspoon-sized portion
evenly over their palate, then spit out the sample without swallowing. By saturating as many sensory nerves as
possible, SCAA cupping participants are better able to evaluate each of the coffee samples.

2009 Coffee of the Year results:
SCORE
88.66
87.69
87.03
85.78
85.72
85.59
85.08
8584.89
84.86
83.5
81.22

COUNTRY
Colombia
PanamaEthiopia
Colombia
Kenya
GuatemalaHawaiiColombia
El Salvador
GuatemalaTaiwanAustrailia

COMPANY
C.I. Virmax Colombia S.A.
Hacienda La Esmeralda
Ninety Plus Coffee
C.I. Racafe & CIA S.C.A.
Royal Coffee - NY
El Injerto, S.A.
Ka'u Farm and Ranch Company,LLC
C.I. Virmax Colombia S.A.
Exportadora El Volcan S.A. de C.V.
San Diego Buena Vista
Genn Shang Ind. Co. Ltd.
MTC Group

REGION
Los Naranjos (San Agustin, Huila)
BoqueteYigrachaffe
Huila
Aberdare Ranges
Highland Huehue
District of Ka'u on the Big Island if Hawaii
La Piramide (inza Cauca)
Apaneca/Iiamatepec Mountain Range
Acatenango
Alishan Lot A
Northen N.S.W (Nimbin)

Mark your calendar: The Specialty Coffee Association of America’s 22nd Annual Exposition and 2nd Annual
Symposium takes place in Anaheim, CA., April 15 – 18, 2010, which features the 2010 Coffee of the Year
Competition.
About the SCAAThe SCAA is the world’s largest coffee trade association dedicated to creating a vibrant specialty coffee
community. We recognize, develop and promote specialty coffee by setting and maintaining quality standards
for the industry; conducting research on coffee, equipment and perfection of craft; and providing education,training, resources and business services for members. Celebrating 26 years of success, the strength of ourorganization is reflective of our members who represent more than forty countries and every segment of theSpecialty Coffee industry, from coffee growers to coffee roasters and retailers. Together, we ensure ourindustry continues to thrive. Visit www.scaa.org.