Unlocking Opportunity: How the Coffee Assessment Program is Empowering Women Producers

At SCA 2025, the IWCA Global Community Room buzzed with energy and anticipation as Renée Espinoza of Firedancer Coffee Consultants introduced a groundbreaking initiative designed specifically for IWCA chapter members: the Coffee Assessment Program.

Renée, a longtime friend, partner, and advocate for IWCA and , stood before a full room of producers, partners, and fellow educators to share the story of how this innovative program was born from both passion and frustration—and how it’s now reshaping the way women in coffee bring their beans to market.

A Solution Rooted in Experience

For over 15 years, Renée and her partner Mike have facilitated IWCA cuppings. As their efforts expanded, so did the volume of samples—culminating one year in 95 coffees submitted from around the world. That moment, however, revealed a major challenge: many samples were either past crop or too fresh to be evaluated properly, and in one instance, a single defective sample contaminated an entire cupping room.

That was the turning point.

“We knew something had to change,” Renée explained. “The coffee our IWCA sisters were working so hard to grow wasn’t getting a fair chance to shine.”

And so, the Coffee Assessment Program was born.

What the Coffee Assessment Program Offers

This program is more than just a cupping—it’s a full-circle evaluation and mentorship service designed to:

• Help producers understand green grading and sensory evaluation.

• Connect them with expert cuppers, Q graders, and buyers.

• Provide one-on-one feedback and training based on market expectations.

• Offer independent, objective scoring and insights via the Tasteify platform.

• Ultimately support producers in improving cup quality, increasing their value, and making informed business decisions.

Each submission is treated with care and rigor. Producers send in 1kg of green coffee, which is divided into portions for green grading, multiple cuppings, and backup samples. Expert evaluators assess the coffee according to strict, consistent protocols, ensuring a fair and accurate picture of its potential.

The Impact: From Feedback to Market Connection

Once the evaluations are complete, producers receive a detailed report and schedule a Zoom consultation to go over the results. This one-on-one format provides time to:

• Clarify sample information and terminology.

• Identify any defects or post-harvest processing concerns.

• Offer technical support and connect producers to local experts.

• Discuss pricing and help advocate for fair compensation.

“We want every producer to know what their coffee is worth,” Renée emphasized. “And if they’re not getting it, we help them get there.”

In many cases, Renée and Mike are able to connect producers directly with roasters or importers looking for coffees from specific origins or profiles. For IWCA members, this is a direct bridge to markets that have historically been hard to access.

Integration with Café Delas by Covoya

An exciting development shared during the presentation was the alignment of the Coffee Assessment Program with Covoya’s Café Delas initiative. Through this partnership:

• Women producers are listed as business owners on commercial platforms.

• Payments are made directly to the producer.

• A $0.05/lb premium is added to their coffee.

• Local training, equipment, and support are made available.

This ensures transparency, equity, and visibility—key components in building long-term, sustainable coffee businesses owned and led by women.

A Call to Action for IWCA Chapters

As Blanca and Renée both emphasized, the power of this program depends not just on the experts or the tools—it depends on coordination, commitment, and support from IWCA chapters and partners.

From packaging samples correctly to ensuring contact information is included, every detail counts. With rising shipping costs and logistical challenges, collaboration is more important than ever. Chapters are encouraged to:

• Seek local discounts from shippers like DHL or FedEx.

• Coordinate submissions as a group to reduce cost.

• Work with IWCA Global to find funding and sponsorship support.

As Renée beautifully put it: “All coffee has a home. But great coffee deserves a great price—and the chance to shine.”

What’s Next

USWIC and Firedancer Coffee will continue refining this program, hosting follow-up meetings and expanding chapter participation. With dedicated partners, informed producers, and collective leadership, the Coffee Assessment Program is positioned to become a vital tool in closing the gap between women coffee producers and the specialty market.