What is ACAP?

The ACF Coffee Appreciation Protocol (ACAP) is an overarching, integrated framework that celebrates coffee’s journey from farm to cup by incorporating regional values, sensory experiences, and craftsmanship. ACAP introduces a new philosophy of appreciation - moving away from assessment, evaluation, grading, or judging, and focusing instead on holistic understanding and enjoyment of coffee.

Grounded in local experience and community perspectives, ACAP leverages tools like the ASEAN Coffee Flavour Sphere, which uses localised descriptors and embraces Robusta, Liberica, and Excelsa, not just Arabica, to reflect the richness of ASEAN coffee.

ACAP integrates innovation and real-world application through:

• Two-temperature Cupping (88°C and 94°C ): replicating real-world brewing conditions

• Cubicle and Group Cupping: capturing both professional and consumer sensory data

• Scentible: sensory training with high fidelity

• Cpin: digital cupping, coffee registry, flavour profile tracking, and calibration, replacing pen-and-paper methods

By encouraging a holistic, bottom-up recognition of coffee quality, ACAP empowers all actors along the coffee value chain - from producers and roasters to baristas, café owners, educators, and enthusiasts - making knowledge accessible, appreciation inclusive, and coffee experiences richer and more meaningful.