What Does an 80.5 Coffee Score Mean for Cambodian Fine Robusta?

Short answer: An 80.5 score means a specific coffee lot performed above the 80-point threshold used in CQI's Q Coffee certification framework, assuming it also meets the applicable grading requirements. It does not mean every coffee from the same farm, region, or country has the same quality.

Is 80.5 a good score?

An 80.5 result is meaningful because it clears the 80-point threshold used in CQI's Q Coffee process for certification when the coffee also meets the relevant physical grading requirements.

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

But the number should be interpreted carefully. A score is a summary of one evaluated sample under a specific protocol and date.

Does 80.5 mean the coffee is exceptional?

Not necessarily.

It means the lot met a recognized quality threshold. It does not mean the coffee is among the highest-scoring Robusta lots in the market.

Current public CQI Q Robusta examples include scores in the mid-80s, such as 84.33, 84.75, 85.25, and 85.58.

Examples:

• https://database.coffeeinstitute.org/coffee/595747
• https://database.coffeeinstitute.org/coffee/398096
• https://database.coffeeinstitute.org/coffee/708627
• https://database.coffeeinstitute.org/coffee/424764

Why can 80.5 still matter commercially?

For an emerging origin, crossing a recognized quality threshold can be important because it provides an external reference point.

For Cambodia, a verified 80.5 lot would show that one specific lot entered a recognized Fine Robusta quality range. It would not prove that Mondulkiri or Cambodia as a whole is an 80+ origin.

What else should buyers look at besides the total score?

Look at:

• fragrance/aroma;
• flavor;
• aftertaste;
• salt/acid balance;
• bitter/sweet balance;
• mouthfeel;
• uniformity;
• clean cup;
• balance;
• overall score;
• defects;
• green analysis;
• processing method;
• harvest year.

Public CQI records show these individual components alongside the total score.

Why should OCC avoid over-selling 80.5?

Because a single decimal point can become misleading marketing if the supporting record is missing.

A strong statement is:

This lot scored 80.5 under named protocol/body on date.

A weak statement is:

Cambodian Fine Robusta is 80.5+.

The first is verifiable. The second generalizes beyond the evidence.

Faq

Is 80.5 higher than the Fine Robusta threshold?

It is above the 80-point threshold used in CQI's Q Coffee certification framework, assuming the lot also meets the relevant grading requirements.

Can another lot from the same farm score lower?

Yes. Harvest, processing, defects, storage, and many other variables can change between lots.

Is 80.5 the same as 85?

No. Both can be strong coffees, but the higher-scoring lot performed better under the evaluation used.

Should buyers buy only by score?

No. Flavor profile, price, repeatability, processing, traceability, and intended use also matter.

Primary external sources

• CQI scoring process: https://database.coffeeinstitute.org/coffee/edit
• CQI public Q Robusta examples: https://database.coffeeinstitute.org/coffee/595747 ; https://database.coffeeinstitute.org/coffee/708627 ; https://database.coffeeinstitute.org/coffee/424764