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Impulse the transparent transaction thought the platform. Then the discussions on the so-called
and traceability of specialty coffee. special taste, single original lot, microclimate production
Before the foundation of COE, the transaction of condition and other topics came up. Another point of
coffee in the market could not be traceable at all. All the beans difference of COE is that it emphasizes its return to farmers
were mixed to sell by trading companies, so the international with rewarded value chain (i.e. the quality of coffee determines
price was the only norm. Creation of COE is like opening a the price in an auction). Compared to trophy, certificates of
window in a dark room, brining lots of light and hope. It allows award and fame, the real money is the most powerful thing
roasters and coffee farmers to see and talk with each other that provides a sustainable energy to inspire producers.

International judge
Kentaro

Maruyama

Interview

Mr. Kentaro Maruyama is the most dynami and active
judge, who was willing to share his during Brazil COE 2017.
Participation in COE is a lifelong mission for him. He can
experience the new things as well as closely follow the trend
of coffee industry. Can you imagine that he has participated
in 59 COE competitions in the past 15 years? The amazing Maruyama reminds that the logic behind the two
number of participation shows his passion for COE and his systems is not the same. The purpose of COE is to
support of coffee origin countries. As we know, this year is choose the best out of the best, rather than investigate
the 4th time that he comes to Brazil. What is the reason the shortcomings of the beans. So a more open,
behind? What attracts him the most? Firstly, Mr. Maruyama positive and coffee enjoying attitude is more suitable
thinks the level of Natural processing in Brazil is one of the for COE judgment.
best in all of origin countries. In the near future, we will Participation in COE is a lifelong study
face the lack of water resources, so the decrease of water plan. He thinks the development and heritage
using in processing is a trend. Then Naturals is a good of COE need more efforts from international
example. What’s more, the flavor of naturals is easy to tell jury and them working together. Many of participants
for both roasters and consumers. For this reason, the aim at only one time experience. Even though he has
percentage of Naturals beans purchased by Japanese coffee participated in 59 of them, he can learn things every
professionals is up to 60%~70% vs. Pulped Naturals at time. He encourages young cuppers to regard COE as
30~40%. While ten years ago, all the top grade specialty the career start, rather than an end.
coffee supplied by Brazil to Japanese customers were all Participation in COE is a lifelong study
Pulped Naturals. Mr. Maruyama’s rich and solid experience plan. He thinks the development and
in international jury makes him the Anchor Judge in COE. heritage of COE need more efforts from
He also has some feelings about it to share, based on COE international jury and them working together. Many
cupping tendency in recent 20 years: of participants aim at only one time experience. Even
Difference between COE and Q Grader though he has participated in 59 of them, he can learn
System. The certification number of Q Graders things every time. He encourages young cuppers to
in Asia is sharply increasing recently. Mr. regard COE as the career start, rather than an end.

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