How to become a certified coffee taster in India: Skills, courses, and job opportunities
With expertise, you can become a head taster, roaster, coffee consultant, or start your own speciality coffee business.
With expertise, you can become a head taster, roaster, coffee consultant, or start your own speciality coffee business.
With expertise, you can become a head taster, roaster, coffee consultant, or start your own speciality coffee business.
A career in coffee tasting (also known as coffee cupping) is growing in India, thanks to the expanding speciality coffee industry. Coffee tasters, or Q graders, evaluate coffee based on aroma, flavour, body, acidity, and aftertaste to ensure quality and consistency.
How to start a coffee tasting career in India
1. Learn the basics of coffee
- Understand coffee varieties, processing methods, and brewing techniques.
- Develop sensory skills by tasting different types of coffee.
2. Enroll in professional coffee tasting courses
- Coffee Board of India: Offers training programs like "Kaapi Shastra" focusing on coffee roasting and brewing.
- Specialty Coffee Academy of India (SCAI): Provides SCA-certified courses covering barista skills, brewing, and sensory skills.
- Araku Coffee Academy: Conducts SCA-certified courses, including "Introduction to Coffee" and "Barista Skills."
- Kaapi Machines: Offers extensive barista training programs, including modules on manual brewing and latte art.
- Marc's Coffees: Hosts master classes like "Foundations of Specialty Coffee" in Auroville.
3. Gain practical experience
Work in coffee establishments: Seek internships or positions at coffee farms, roasteries, or specialty cafés to gain hands-on experience.
Participate in cupping sessions: Engage in coffee cupping sessions to practice evaluating different brews.
4. Obtain relevant certifications
- Q Grader Certification: A globally recognized credential that validates your coffee tasting proficiency.
- SCA Sensory Skills Certification: Enhances your expertise in coffee evaluation.
5. Job opportunities in India
- Coffee estates and plantations (Tata Coffee, Coorg coffee farms)
- Coffee roasteries and speciality coffee brands (Blue Tokai, Third Wave, Araku Coffee)
- Cafés and coffee chains (Starbucks, Café Coffee Day, independent specialty cafés)
- Import/export businesses and quality control labs
6. Stay updated and network
Join professional groups: engage with communities like the Speciality Coffee Association to stay informed about industry trends.
Attend coffee events: Participate in workshops, seminars, and coffee festivals to network and learn from industry experts.
Salary and growth
Entry-level coffee tasters earn Rs 3–5 LPA, while experienced Q graders can earn Rs 12–25 LPA or more, especially in speciality coffee brands or international markets.
With expertise, you can become a head taster, roaster, coffee consultant, or start your own speciality coffee business.