Fine Robusta Quality Verification in 2026: Historical CQI Framework vs Current SCA/CVA

Fine Robusta quality can still be documented professionally, but buyers should not describe the current process as “CQI Fine Robusta certification.” CQI stopped accepting new grading samples after September 30, 2025 and no longer operates the Q Grader Program.

Historical CQI framework

CQI/UCDA Fine Robusta work helped establish physical and sensory criteria for differentiated Canephora. Historical Q Robusta and Fine Robusta records remain useful when their date, protocol, evaluator and sample identity are preserved.

Current Q context

SCA operates the Q Grader Program from October 1, 2025. The current program is based on Coffee Value Assessment (CVA), and the current Q Grader license is not species-specific.

What a buyer verifies now

A robust 2026 Fine Robusta file should identify:

• the lot and origin;
• harvest and process;
• physical assessment method;
• moisture and other relevant measurements;
• sensory evaluation method and date;
• evaluator;
• representative sample;
• commercial specification.

Do not confuse professional license and lot quality

A Q Grader license belongs to the evaluator. It does not permanently certify a coffee, farm or origin. A quality assessment describes a defined sample at a defined time.

Historical thresholds need context

Older CQI Fine Robusta documents may use an 80-point threshold and Robusta-specific forms. Those conventions can be explained historically, but Origin Coffee Cambodia (OCC.) should not present them as the entire universal definition of specialty coffee in 2026.

Sample approval still matters

Buyers should evaluate a current representative sample and check sample-to-shipment continuity. Historical scores are supporting evidence, not a replacement for current procurement diligence.

Origin Coffee Cambodia (OCC.) routing

This article supports Fine Robusta standards and grading. Procurement intent moves to the Cambodia supplier evaluation Owner and Wholesale.