Competition Overview

The competition begins with a written questionnaire covering topics ranging from company mission statement, sustainable/employee practices to commitment to the industry.

From the written applications three finalists are chosen from two categories, roasting less than 100,000 lbs. per year (Micro) and roasting more than 100,000 lbs. year (Macro). The finalists are required to send in 3 lbs. of roasted coffees. The coffees are cupped and scored. The cupping scores and the written scores are combined. The company with the most points is crowned our Roaster of the Year.

The competition has TWO categories and TWO winners:

Micro Roaster Category
Roasters who roast less than 100,000 lbs per year

Macro Roaster Category
Roasters who roast more than 100,000 lbs per year

Criteria and Award Package

We developed this award to help inspire further excellence and success in the roasting industry.

The Roaster of the Year winners will be chosen based on the following criteria for both Micro and Macro categories:

Company mission
Commitment to sustainable practices
Commitment to employees and educational practices
Commitment to diversity, inclusion and equity
Commitment to and involvement in the coffee industry
Innovations in roasting, marketing and business practices
Quality of coffee

The Roaster of the Year award package includes:

A full-length feature story in the November | December issue of Roast
$500
Recognition on the Roast website

Contest Rules

Three finalists will be chosen based on the criteria above for each category. Contestants will be notified if they are chosen as finalists. At that time, each finalist will be asked to submit three different one-pound roasted coffee samples. Coffees will be judged on aroma, color, imperfections, bean size and a clean cup. Coffees will be blindly judged by a professional coffee cupper.

Winner of the Roaster of the Year award will be announced in the November/December issue of Roast. The Roaster of the Year award will be presented to a company and not an individual. All entries become the property of Roast and will not be returned to applicant. Entries are judged by Roast employees and representatives. Decisions of the judges are final. All scores are confidential and undisclosed. Applicants can either be a wholesale roaster or roaster/retailer. Applicants must roast their own coffee. By entering this competition you give permission to Roast to publish your name and likeness in association with this competition and the promotion of this contest.

Apply for the 2025 Roaster of the Year Competition