The Portland Coffee Brands Making the Industry More Equitable | Eater Portland

"Based in Northwest Portland, the Alliance for Coffee Excellence runs the Cup of Excellence program, a competition-and-auction model that has helped producers sell high-scoring coffees far above typical market rates; the program has yielded over 4,100 winning farmers and hit an average auction price of $21.34 per pound in 2020 (compared with a general green-bean market rate closer to $1), and even during the pandemic Cup of Excellence recorded record-setting auction prices that generated millions in gross revenue for winners—roasters like Proud Mary, Groundwork, and Sisters Coffee regularly purchase these coffees." - Seiji Nanbu