A panel of more than 250 chefs and sommeliers recently evaluated coffees from around the world in blind tastings as part of the International Taste Institute's (ITI) Superior Taste Awards. The awards are widely regarded as the most prestigious taste certification in the food and beverage industry.

This year, nineteen coffees earned three-star ratings, including well-known brands such as Lavazza, Café San Alberto, and Costa Coffee Professional. The judging process is conducted in complete silence, with jury members unaware of the products' identities except for their category.

The Superior Taste Award is given to products scoring above 70%, serving as "a stamp of indisputable quality and prestige," according to the ITI. One example is the Tales of Italy Canal Grande, a blend of Arabica and Robusta beans with chocolate notes, scoring 8 out of 10 on the intensity scale. Another highlighted coffee is a 100% Arabica blend sourced from Colombia, ideal for espresso preparation, described as "a full-bodied and balanced blend, with aromatic notes of tropical fruits, lime zest and jasmine."

Dozens of coffees across various formats—including whole bean, ground, instant, capsules/pods, and decaf—received Superior Taste Awards this year, reflecting a broad recognition of quality in the coffee market.

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