#United States #San Antonio #Specialty Coffee #Merit Coffee #Global Coffee Awards

Merit Coffee Wins Gold at the 2026 Global Coffee Awards

In the coffee world, few honors carry as much weight as the recognition from the Global Coffee Awards. At the 2026 events, Merit Coffee Company, a beloved specialty roaster based in San Antonio, Texas, proudly clinched not one, but two gold medals. This achievement underscores Merit Coffee's dedication to providing outstanding coffee experiences crafted from passion, quality, and community.

Merit Coffee has become well-known for its community-driven cafés and exceptional coffee programs that resonate with coffee lovers. Among the gold medal winners is Lucem, an 'everyday blend' that has become a signature offering of Merit's robust coffee program. It's easily accessible across all 15 Merit's cafés and at various retail partners like H-E-B, Whole Foods Market, Sprouts, Kroger, and Central Market. Coffee aficionados can also find Lucem on the official Merit website for online purchase, ensuring that this award-winning blend is just a click away.

The second gold medal was awarded to a limited-edition specialty coffee, Peru Gesha Natural. This anticipated offering is set to debut as part of Merit's upcoming holiday coffee lineup. With the coffee industry being as competitive as it is, the accolade bestowed upon this unique blend showcases the high standards and thorough evaluations standard in the coffee roasting domain.

Both Lucem and Peru Gesha were put to the test through a stringent double-blind assessment conducted by an esteemed panel of certified coffee experts from around the world. The judges meticulously examined each entry based on aroma, flavor, balance, sweetness, acidity, body, and overall cup performance, which sets the Global Coffee Awards apart as a benchmark for excellence in the industry.

Spearheading the roasting of these award-winning entries is Merit Coffee's Head Roaster, Carlos Riaño, who has recently secured a spot in the upcoming United States Coffee Roasting Championship. This event promises Riaño the opportunity to shine on an even larger stage, competing in hopes of advancing to the global finals.

This latest accolade does not just reflect a single success; it reinforces Merit's ongoing commitment to sourcing high-quality beans and artfully roasting each variety to bring out its best characteristics. The importance of collaboration in coffee production is also acknowledged, highlighting the intricate journey from farm to cup—one that Merit's team deeply appreciates.

Moreover, Merit Coffee's achievements extend beyond the two gold medals. At the 2026 Global Coffee Awards, the company received bronze medals for five other coffees, including varieties such as Camino de Oro and Sugarcane Decaf, bringing their total recognition count to seven. This spectrum of accolades showcases the excellence that is woven into the brand's philosophy of quality and community engagement on a larger scale.

Fans and connoisseurs of Merit Coffee can look forward to additional updates regarding the release of the Peru Gesha Natural and the broader holiday coffee lineup on the company’s social media channels and website. Founded in 2009, Merit Coffee remains dedicated to serving not just coffee but also a sense of belonging and quality across its cafés in San Antonio, Austin, Dallas, and Houston.

As Merit Coffee continues to make its mark in the coffee industry, it stands as a testament to what dedication to quality, community, and craftsmanship can achieve. Celebrated for both the coffees it offers today and those anticipated for the future, Merit is a brand that will remain influential in the specialty coffee landscape for years to come.