Luxury speciality coffee company, Cupper’s Journey, has strengthened its credentials with chefs, restaurants and hospitality operators after its Rwamatamu Rwanda coffee was awarded a 1-Star Great Taste Award 2026.

Organised by the Guild of Fine Food, Great Taste is widely regarded as one of the world's most respected food and drink accreditation schemes, with products blind-tasted by hundreds of chefs, buyers, food writers and retailers. A 1-Star award is reserved for products that deliver "fantastic flavour" following the competition's rigorous independent judging process.

The coffee impressed judges with its delicate, balanced profile, describing it as: "A lovely light roast... very drinkable, with some beautiful top notes."

Judges also praised its "vibrant, citrusy aroma" alongside "delicate florals and cocoa butter", noting its clean mouthfeel and elegant sweetness.

For Cupper's Journey, the recognition further validates the company's approach to sourcing exceptional coffees that can elevate the end of the dining experience.

Colin Hall, co-founder of Cupper's Journey, said: "Great Taste is one of the most respected independent food and drink awards in the industry because everything is judged blind on flavour alone. To receive this recognition is a fantastic endorsement of both the quality of the coffee and the work that goes into sourcing exceptional beans.

"Restaurants invest enormous amounts of time creating memorable food experiences, yet coffee is often the final impression a guest leaves with. This award reinforces our belief that exceptional coffee deserves to be treated with the same care, craftsmanship and attention as every other course."

Sourced from Rwanda's Rwamatamu Coffee Estate, the coffee showcases the growing quality and diversity of African speciality coffee. Its delicate floral character, gentle citrus acidity and refined sweetness make it particularly suited to fine dining restaurants, boutique hotels and premium hospitality venues looking to enhance their after-dinner coffee offering.

The recognition comes as expectations around speciality coffee continue to grow within hospitality. Recent research commissioned by Cupper's Journey found that 87 per cent of affluent diners say a poor coffee has negatively affected their perception of an otherwise excellent dining experience, highlighting the growing commercial importance of serving exceptional coffee through to the final course.

Hall added: "Recognition from Great Taste provides independent reassurance for hospitality businesses looking to differentiate themselves. It demonstrates that great coffee isn't simply another beverage on the menu, it's an opportunity to leave guests with a lasting positive impression."

The Cupper’s Journey coffees are available as whole bean and ground (filter) in 250g packs, with an RRP starting from £14.85. The range is available direct-to-consumer via the brand’s website - www.cuppersjourney.com - through wholesale partners and for distribution across independent retail and hospitality channels.