Indonesian Coffee Grades
Explained

Grade 1 Specialty follows the SCA Green Coffee Classification: 0 Category 1 (primary) defects and maximum 5 full defects per 300g sample, with a cupping score of 80 or above. The SNI (Indonesian National Standard) Grade 1 allows up to 11 full defects, which includes both SCA Specialty and SCA Premium. All our Arabica exports — Gayo, Mandheling, Toraja, Flores, Bali Kintamani — are Grade 1 Specialty meeting SCA standards.

Grade 1 allows 0 primary defects and max 11 full defects per 300g (SNI). Grade 2 allows 12–25 full defects and some primary defects. In cup quality terms, Grade 1 specialty scores 80+ on SCA cupping; Grade 2 commercial scores approximately 70–74. Grade 1 is used for single-origin specialty and premium blends. Grade 2 goes into commercial espresso blends, instant coffee, and food service. The price difference is typically 30–60% in favor of Grade 1.

Indonesian specialty Arabica typically grades at screen 15/16 (6.0–6.4mm). Premium Gayo and Mandheling lots can reach screen 16/17. Bali Kintamani and Toraja are typically screen 15/16. Flores tends to be slightly smaller at 14/15. Larger screens are preferred because beans roast more evenly — uniform size means uniform heat absorption and fewer under- or over-developed beans in the batch.

We export Lampung Robusta and Java Robusta in Grade 1 and Grade 2 per SNI standards. Grade 1 Robusta (max 11 defects/300g) is cleaner and better suited for premium espresso blending — it contributes crema, body, and caffeine without harsh off-flavors. Grade 2 Robusta is available at lower price points for volume commercial blend buyers. We do not export Grade 3 or lower as our buyers require consistent quality.