Key Takeaways

Origins & History: First coined in the 1970s, the specialty coffee movement was shaped by Italian espresso and the 'Third Wave' philosophy that treats coffee as a craft.
The Specialty Coffee Market: A booming global market projected to reach over $485 billion in 2025. Australia is a leader, with a local market valued at $2.44 billion.
Why You’ll Taste the Difference: The superior flavour is no accident! It's the result of an 80+ grading score and a focus on quality over quantity, from the farm to the cup.

Ever find yourself standing in the cafe queue, staring at the menu, and asking yourself, “What is specialty coffee? Coffee terminology can feel like a foreign language. This simple guide will demystify what specialty coffee is, why it matters, and show you how to find your perfect brew.

Where Did Specialty Coffee Originate?

The phrase “specialty coffee” was first used in the 1970s in a trade journal to describe beans of exceptional flavour. However, the global movement has deeper roots.

The coffee scene was heavily influenced by Italian espresso culture, where the caffè was a social ritual that elevated the drinking experience. This set the stage for companies like Starbucks, which helped popularise a more refined coffee in North America.

This growing demand for better coffee eventually led to the 'third wave coffee' movement, a modern philosophy that champions sourcing transparency and craftsmanship from the farm to your cup.

What Makes Coffee ‘Speciality’?

The simple answer is quality. The official “specialty coffee definition” refers to any coffee that scores 80 points or higher on a 100-point scale by a certified Q Grader. This high score reflects a superior sensory profile, including exceptional aroma and flavour, and a complete lack of defects.

This focus on quality is upheld throughout the entire value chain, from the farmer to the barista. It's the core idea behind third wave coffee, which views coffee as an artisan product, much like fine wine, that is to be appreciated for its unique character and origin.

Specialty vs Regular Coffee

There’s no better way to understand the difference than to see it side-by-side. Here’s a look at what separates specialty coffee from regular, commodity-grade beans.

Characteristic	Specialty Coffee	Regular Coffee
Growing	Meticulous, small-batch farming focused on ideal altitude and climate.	Large-scale, high-yield commodity production.
Processing	Focus on quality and specific techniques to enhance flavour.	Mass processing for speed and efficiency.
Grading	Professionally scored 80+ on a 100-point scale with no major defects.	No formal grading. Often includes defective beans.
Roasting	Precision, flavour-focused roasting by artisan coffee experts.	Uniform, often dark roasting to hide defects and ensure consistency.
Taste	Distinct and nuanced flavour notes that reflect its origin.	Consistent, often generic and bitter taste.
Sourcing	Transparent, direct, and ethical supply chains.	Complex, anonymous supply chains with little transparency.

What Is Artisan Coffee & Third Wave Coffee?

You'll often hear the terms “artisan coffee” or “craft coffee” in specialty circles, and they refer to an approach that emphasises skill and quality over mass production.

Artisan Coffee & Craft Coffee: This refers to treating coffee as a craft, with a focus on skill, quality, and small-batch production to bring out the best in every bean.
Third Wave Coffee: This is a philosophy that focuses on the entire journey of coffee, from its origin to its unique flavour, with an emphasis on ethical sourcing and transparency.

Di Stefano fits perfectly into this movement. We’re dedicated to the artistry of roasting, using precise techniques to highlight the unique characteristics of each bean. Our commitment to quality and transparency ensures that every cup tells a story of its origin.

Learn more about commitment to sustainable coffee in our guide: What is Single Origin Coffee?

Where Is Specialty Coffee Gaining Popularity?

The demand for specialty coffee is soaring, with the global market projected to reach a massive $485.59 billion in 2025. While countries like the US, Brazil, Japan, and Indonesia drink the most coffee overall, nations like Finland and Norway are the top per-capita consumers.

Here in Australia, our thriving coffee culture is a key driver of that growth. With a market valued at $2.44 billion in 2025, it's projected to reach $3.20 billion by 2030. This growth is fuelled by Australians' willingness to pay a premium for quality, with consumption reaching over 16 million cups daily.

As a leader in the specialty coffee movement, Australia, along with New Zealand, is setting global trends and showing that coffee lovers everywhere are seeking a more rewarding experience.

How to Buy True Specialty Coffee

To identify genuine specialty coffee and enjoy the great flavour that comes with it, here’s what to look for:

Check for a Roast Date. Unlike regular coffee, specialty coffee bags will always have a specific roast date, which guarantees freshness and the best possible flavour.
Look for Transparency. True specialty coffee is all about transparency. Check for details on the bag that tell you the country, region, and specific farm where the beans were grown.

Why Choose Di Stefano for Specialty Coffee?

We are passionate about our craft and committed to delivering the best specialty coffee experience.

Decades of Experience: Our heritage is built on a deep commitment to quality and craftsmanship, ensuring every bean meets the highest standards.
Artisan Roasting & Quality: We offer a diverse range of meticulously crafted single-origin and premium blends, all roasted with precise techniques to highlight their unique characteristics.
Personal Service: While we have the scale to serve a broad community, we maintain the personal service and passion of a small, artisan roaster.
Commitment to Sustainability: We believe that great coffee should also be ethical, and we are committed to practices that support a sustainable future for everyone in the supply chain.

Final Thoughts: The Future of Specialty Coffee

The future of specialty coffee is about more than just a great cup. It's about transparency, sustainability, and of course, sensational home brewing! As the industry moves forward, Di Stefano is already a step ahead, championing quality and craft in every single roast. Explore our full collection of premium coffee beans and taste the difference today.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is considered specialty coffee?

Specialty coffee is any coffee that scores 80 points or higher on a 100-point scale by a certified Q Grader. This score reflects the coffee's superior flavour, aroma, and lack of defects.

What is specialty coffee in Australia?

Specialty coffee in Australia is a huge part of our cafe culture. It’s all about the ritual of a perfectly crafted espresso. Our local movement emphasises quality, direct relationships with farmers, and transparency in sourcing from a wide range of global origins.

What is specialty coffee vs regular coffee?

Specialty coffee is meticulously cared for at every stage, from farmer to roaster and barista. Regular coffee is often mass-produced for consistency and efficiency, often leading to a more generic or bitter taste.

How to identify specialty coffee?

The easiest way to identify specialty coffee is to look for a roast date and detailed origin information on the bag, like the country, region, or even the specific farm. Many coffee producers like Di Stefano focus on transparency, which is a clear sign that the coffee is fresh and has been sourced with care.

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About the Author

Nicolas Di Stefano, a third-generation Master Roaster and Director of Di Stefano Coffee, continues his family’s proud legacy of exceptional coffee craftsmanship. Blending traditional Italian roasting methods with a modern dedication to quality, Nicolas ensures every cup embodies the rich flavour and consistency Australians have come to love.