• Laboratory Services Dedicated to the Coffee Industry

  • Quality Assurance

  • from tree to cup
  • Coffee Quality Control Programs

  • Green Coffee Analysis

  • Profile Matching & Coffee R&D

  • Sample Roasting & Analysis

Laboratory Services Dedicated to the Coffee Industry

Quality Assurance

from tree to cup

Coffee Quality Control Programs

Green Coffee Analysis

Profile Matching & Coffee R&D

Sample Roasting & Analysis

Independent Coffee Analysis

CLI offers testing, training & actionable solutions related to the coffee industry

Sourcing & Blend Development * Shelf Life Studies * Sensory Panel Design & Calibration * Coffee Education & Training * Equipment Analysis * Coffee Specification Manuals * Packaging Integrity * Quality Descriptive Analysis

technical services

Coffee Quality Control

Underlying coffee quality problems can be complex; from the integrity of beans at source, improper storage, and inconsistencies between roasts; to blends that are out of spec, equipment issues, and lack of proper staff training. CLI has experience in improving a company's entire coffee process.

Call for a Quote 802-244-6176

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Quality Assurance Programs

CLI works with clients & their roasting partners as a third party, independent QA lab. We can design & implement a Quality Improvement (QI) and continuous Quality Assurance (QA) program, focusing on establishing and maintaining a consistent, high quality line of coffee products.

Call 802-244-6176 to Discuss

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Green & Roasted Bean Analysis

Our Lab is outfitted with all of the state-of-the-art equipment to analyze & evaluate coffee in all of its forms including green, roasted, soluble, and extracts. CLI's sensory panel conducts a battery of physical tests which can provide insight & uncover various problems otherwise undetected.

Sample Submission Form

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Meet our team of Coffee pros

Lab Director & Q Grader - Shannon

Shannon, with 25+ years of coffee experience & knowledge in the specialty coffee arena, leads the sensory team and acts as CLI's Lab Director. She sets standards & protocols for product analysis & standardized laboratory techniques, & works with both green & roasted physical bean evaluation. She is a certified Q Grader for both Robusta & Arabica coffees, an International Tasting Judge, a certified Level II Specialty Tea Taster, & SCA Certified Lead Instructor.

Founder & Q Grader- Mané Alves

Mané has worked in the specialty coffee industry for over 25 years. As a certified Q Instructor as well as an International Coffee Tasting Judge, Mané's reputation as a distinguished cupper is unparalleled. He is a stickler for quality, & knowledgeable in all aspects of the complex coffee process - from seed to cup. He & his team have been instrumental in helping coffee companies, large & small, vastly improve their coffee offerings.

Lab Tech - Seth

Seth is the newest member of the team. He entered into the coffee business from the culinary world in 2003. He wears a number of hats for us including Lab Technician and Sample Roaster. Seth also coordinates the world-wide CQI coffee program for Q instructors globally. He brings vast experience in grind & blend management as well as coffee logistics. Seth's second (& most important job) is Dad to his twin girls pictured here.

See what our clients are saying...

CLI helped us improve our entire coffee offerings. Thanks, Mané, to you & the whole team!

Chris N.

Having a 3rd party lab, such as CLI, spec & check samples of our roasts ensures the quality we expect from our numerous roasters.

Rachel A.

CLI's R&D team was able to identify and nail the match to a specific coffee blend. Thanks for that!

Elise S.