How Is Cambodian Fine Robusta Scored? CQI Grading Explained Without the Hype

Short answer: Cambodian Robusta can be evaluated using CQI’s Fine Robusta standards, but the score belongs to the specific submitted lot, not to Cambodia or Mondulkiri as a whole. CQI uses trained graders, physical green analysis, sensory evaluation, and a 100-point score.

Does Cambodia have its own Fine Robusta scoring system?

No separate Cambodia-specific system is required for international comparison.

The Coffee Quality Institute operates Fine Robusta standards and Q Robusta grading infrastructure that can be applied to canephora samples from producing countries.

External source: https://database.coffeeinstitute.org/coffee/edit

How does the CQI process work?

CQI’s published sample-submission process says a green coffee sample is submitted to an In-Country Partner. The ICP assigns three certified Q Graders to evaluate it according to the applicable standards.

For Robusta, CQI uses its Fine Robusta standards and protocols.

External sources:

• https://database.coffeeinstitute.org/coffee/edit
• https://www.coffeeinstitute.org/certification/places/icp

How many graders evaluate a sample?

CQI states that three certified Q Graders evaluate the sample. Their scores are averaged to produce the Q score.

External source: https://database.coffeeinstitute.org/coffee/edit

This matters because a score should not be presented as one seller’s personal opinion.

What does 80+ mean?

CQI’s published Q Coffee process describes a minimum score of 80 points for Q certification when the coffee also meets the relevant grading requirements.

External source: https://database.coffeeinstitute.org/coffee/edit

The important distinction is:

80+ is a lot-level evaluation result, not a permanent label for an entire country, farm, or region.

What does a real Q Robusta record contain?

Public CQI records show how detailed a real certification can be.

For example, CQI’s public record for Vietnam Q Robusta Sample #595747 includes country of origin, farm name, lot number, harvest year, region, producer, processing method, altitude, variety, moisture, defects, individual sensory category scores, total cup points, and certification information. The sample scored 84.33.

External source: https://database.coffeeinstitute.org/coffee/595747

This is the standard OCC should aim to imitate in its own lot documentation: specific, verifiable, and tied to one coffee.

What categories are evaluated?

CQI’s Q Robusta training includes cupping protocols, green and roasted grading, defect identification, sensory skills, organic-acid identification, processing evaluation, and broader value-chain knowledge.

External source: https://database.coffeeinstitute.org/course/6530

Public Q Robusta sample records also display categories such as fragrance/aroma, flavor, aftertaste, salt/acid, bitter/sweet, mouthfeel, uniform cup, clean cup, balance, overall, and defects.

External source: https://database.coffeeinstitute.org/coffee/595747

Why is this useful for Cambodia?

Cambodia is still building international awareness as a coffee origin. A recognized external grading framework can help buyers understand the quality of a specific lot without relying only on a seller’s description.

The score can answer one question: How did this lot perform under a defined evaluation system?

It cannot answer every question about farmer economics, traceability, sustainability, or long-term consistency.

What should OCC publish alongside a score?

If a Cambodian lot receives a verified evaluation, publish:

1. exact lot name;
2. region and producer;
3. harvest year;
4. processing method;
5. moisture;
6. defect data;
7. cup score;
8. tasting notes;
9. grader or certification body where appropriate;
10. date of evaluation;
11. link or document proving the result.

What should OCC avoid saying?

Avoid:

• “Cambodia is CQI certified”
• “Mondulkiri is an 80+ origin”
• “All Cambodian Fine Robusta scores above 80”

Unless direct evidence actually supports those claims.

Use:

• “This lot received…”
• “This sample was evaluated…”
• “CQI’s Fine Robusta framework provides…”

That language is more precise and more credible.

Faq

Can Cambodian Robusta score 80+?

Yes, in principle. Any specific lot submitted and evaluated under the applicable protocol can receive a score based on its actual performance. The result must be verified lot by lot.

Does 80+ automatically mean every buyer will like the coffee?

No. A score summarizes quality performance; preference still depends on flavor profile and intended use.

Is a seller’s own 82-point claim enough?

It is weaker than an independent or formally documented evaluation. Buyers should ask who evaluated the lot and under which protocol.

Is a CQI score permanent?

No. Public Q Coffee records include dates and certification information tied to a specific sample and evaluation.

Primary external sources

• CQI sample submission and grading: https://database.coffeeinstitute.org/coffee/edit
• CQI In-Country Partners: https://www.coffeeinstitute.org/certification/places/icp
• CQI Q Robusta course: https://database.coffeeinstitute.org/course/6530
• Public Q Robusta example: https://database.coffeeinstitute.org/coffee/595747