Colombian coffee grades: Supremo, Excelso and pasilla
How Colombian green coffee is graded for export: Supremo, Excelso, UGQ, peaberry and pasilla, with screen sizes and uses for roasters and industry.
Colombian green coffee is washed arabica and is graded mainly by bean size, measured in screens (1 screen = 1/64 inch). Size affects roast uniformity and price.
Grading by size
| Grade | Screen | Typical use |
|---|---|---|
| Supremo | 17/18 | Specialty and premium roasters |
| Excelso | 15/16 | Commercial roasters and blends |
| UGQ | 15 and above | Standard export quality |
| Peaberry | Round bean | Specialty niches |
| Pasilla | Smaller or defective beans | Soluble and industry |
Supremo
Green arabica Supremo is the largest, most uniform bean. It roasts evenly and is preferred by specialty roasters in Europe, Japan and South Korea.
Pasilla
Pasilla screen 13 is smaller 100% arabica coffee. It is a cost-efficient option for soluble coffee, blends and industrial use.
What to ask for in the spec sheet
- Screen size and percentage retained
- Moisture (10–12%)
- Density (g/L)
- Water activity (≤ 0.60 aw)
- Defects per 500 g and cup profile
If you import into the European Union, also prepare the traceability required by the EUDR. See the Europe market and the Asia market.
