Coffee cupping as a quality signal: impacts on smallholder prices and market access in Colombia

Purpose This study evaluates whether making sensory quality visible through cupping tests improves price outcomes for smallholder coffee producers and facilitates their access to differentiated markets. Design/methodology/approach We use panel data from Colombia's Nariño region (2012–2016) and a difference-in-differences strategy to estimate the causal effects of cupping-based quality verification. To enhance generalizability, we also validate results with a nationally representative dataset of coffee producers collected in 2024 across Colombia's most climate-vulnerable regions. Findings The intervention significantly increased coffee prices for farmers receiving both technical assistance and cupping, especially in high-altitude areas. Price gains were driven by improvements in commercial knowledge and increased engagement with buyers. Income effects varied due to trade-offs in livelihood specialization. Research limitations/implications The short time window limits observation of long-run income impacts. Further longitudinal follow-up is recommended. Social implications Targeted interventions that match farmers' agroecological conditions can foster inclusive development in rural areas. Originality/value This is among the first studies to provide causal evidence on the role of sensory quality verification in informal value chains in a developing country context.