The ASEAN Coffee Federation (ACF), through its education arm – the ASEAN Coffee Institute (ACI) – has launched its inaugural Coffee Appreciation Protocol (ACAP) training session in Singapore, marking a significant milestone in ASEAN’s pursuit to elevate regional coffee knowledge and culture.
ACAP in a Nutshell: A New Way to Appreciate Coffee
The ACF Coffee Appreciation Protocol (ACAP) is a key initiative developed under the purview of the ASEAN Coffee Institute. It is a reimagined framework that places appreciation at the heart of coffee education, rather than traditional quality evaluation.
ACAP introduces an interdisciplinary approach to learning, encouraging professionals and enthusiasts alike to understand coffee holistically – from farm to cup. The framework was conceived to sharpen coffee education across ASEAN, while simultaneously raising the global profile of ASEAN-origin coffees.
The framework consists of six core modules:
- Technical Appreciation (ACAP-TA)
- Descriptive Appreciation (ACAP-DA)
- Roasting Appreciation (ACAP-RA)
- Brewing Appreciation (ACAP-BA)
- Perceptive Appreciation (ACAP-PA)
- Skills Appreciation (ACAP-SA)
To support these modules, ACI will roll out a range of courses. Among its key offerings is the ACF Coffee Appreciation Course (ACAC), a multi-level sensory programme that uniquely integrates green coffee evaluation, roasting fundamentals, and brewing techniques into one cohesive curriculum.
ACAP Supporting Tools: Grounded in ASEAN Context
To ensure consistency, accessibility, and regional relevance, ACAP is supported by a suite of tools developed for the ASEAN context. These include:
- ASEAN Coffee Flavour Sphere: A localized flavour lexicon that reflects the unique taste attributes and cultural descriptors used across Southeast Asia. It allows coffee professionals to describe flavours meaningfully and communicate effectively with producers, roasters, and consumers in the region.
- Cpin Cupping App: A digital tool that guides users through the ACAP cupping protocol. Designed to standardize and streamline sensory evaluations, the app is user-friendly and supports cupping sessions for Arabica, Robusta, and Liberica. It helps record tasting notes, analyze data, and improve consistency across training and quality control processes.
- Scentible Sensory Kit: This award-winning sensory kit actualises the Coffee Flavour Sphere. Developed in collaboration with Scentible and founded in Melbourne, Australia, it is a consumable training tool that enhances both orthonasal and retronasal aroma training, offering greater fidelity than conventional kits. As of May 2025, it features 60 aroma references, with more in development.
Together, these tools ensure that ACAP is not only accessible to professionals, but also to producers and aspiring coffee enthusiasts across Southeast Asia – creating an inclusive and regionally grounded coffee education ecosystem.
Scan to Download Cpin Cupping App:
Scan to Download ASEAN Coffee Flavour Sphere:
Trainer Development Begins in Singapore
The inaugural ACAP training took place in Singapore, led by Mr. Dave Lim, Technical Director of ACI, and co-facilitated by Mr. Justin Metcalf, Chief Education Officer of ACI. The session brought together seven participants from Thailand, the Philippines, Indonesia, and Malaysia, forming the first cohort of trainers for the ACAC course.
Over three days, the participants engaged in intensive theoretical sessions – covering topics ranging from the history and genetics of coffee to the science behind its flavour and perception. A major highlight was the trial of the ACAP cupping protocol using the Cpin cupping app, a tool developed in tandem with ACAP to guide tasters through the sensory process. Feedback from the group helped refine both the training materials and the app’s interface and functionality.
The cupping sessions explored not only Arabica coffees, but also ASEAN-grown Liberica and Robusta, underscoring ACAP’s commitment to showcasing the region’s diverse coffee profiles.
Speaking Coffee in an Asian Language
One of ACAP’s most distinctive features is its grounding in ASEAN context and culture. The Cpin cupping app is powered by the ASEAN Coffee Flavour Sphere, a flavour lexicon launched three years ago to reflect localized taste descriptors that resonate with Asian palates. This tool laid the foundation for ACAP’s regionally relevant approach to coffee appreciation.
“As Asia rises as a coffee powerhouse, it is important that we speak coffee in an Asian language,” said Mr. Metcalf. “The information presented in the ACAP will give producers the opportunity to understand their own coffee better, and to learn what consumers are looking for – not just in Asia, but globally. We want to empower producers with knowledge to command better prices and market their coffee more effectively, ensuring the sustainability of future generations of coffee growers.”
What the Participants Say
Mr. Michael Utama, one of the participants from Indonesia, expressed enthusiasm for the course’s potential:
“The ACAP/ACAC is simple yet provides comprehensive information for people to get to know more about coffee. It reduces the barrier for more people to learn and appreciate coffee. After this session, I’m even more motivated to promote ASEAN coffee internationally, because with ACAP/ACAC, we finally have the tools to do so.”
Ms. Winida Mangkornkarn, a seasoned coffee professional from Thailand found the course enlightening:
“My biggest takeaway from this is that appreciating coffee can be for everyone. It is not difficult to learn – especially with the right tools and approach. ACAP gives a very good view of coffee as a whole. It helps me understand why things are done a certain way, and I like that everything is backed by science.”
Mr. Chareon Boonlarptaveechoke from Thailand appreciated the new perspective he gained:
“For me, when I do cupping or drink coffee, I just want to enjoy it. With ACAP, I now understand why I enjoy it.”
Mr. Robert Francisco from the Philippines praised the Cpin app:
“The app is very good – not just for training, but also for personal use. It provides solid guidance on how to taste coffee. ACAC will help more people understand the logic behind coffee appreciation, and that gives greater value to the coffee itself. A coffee can be good, but if someone doesn’t know how to taste it, they won’t be able to fully appreciate it.”
Looking Ahead
The successful rollout of the inaugural ACAP training in Singapore is only the beginning. As the ASEAN Coffee Institute continues to refine its curriculum and tools, and as more trainers are developed, ACAP is poised to become a cornerstone in the region’s coffee education landscape. Through it, ACF aims to elevate ASEAN coffee appreciation globally – ensuring that both its people and its coffee receive the recognition they truly deserve.
– Reported by Karmen Yoong