Taipei: A U.S.-based coffee association that organizes the World Coffee Championships (WCC) said on Friday that its decision to change the designation of competitors from Taiwan as representing “Chinese Taipei” was in line with international conventions at sporting events.
According to Focus Taiwan, the Specialty Coffee Association (SCA) stated on its official website that the change, effective April 28, was an “administrative decision” initiated at the WCC level, as part of its role as a global organizing body. The SCA cited the International Olympic Committee and FIFA as examples, indicating that the move was “in alignment with the naming conventions used by international sporting bodies.” The association emphasized that this decision does not affect who can compete, how they qualify, or their experience on the WCC stage.
The decision has drawn criticism from Taiwan’s coffee community, particularly after the WCC website recently changed references to Taiwanese competitors. This included this year’s World
Latte Art Championship winner Lin Shao-hsing, who is now listed as being from “Chinese Taipei” instead of “Taiwan.” The SCA acknowledged that administrative decisions can feel personal, especially when they touch on identity and belonging. It reassured the coffee community that it remains central to the WCC’s mission and that this will not change.
The SCA described Taiwan’s coffee community as an integral and enduring part of its global family. It expressed gratitude to every barista, roaster, brewer, cupper, and coffee lover, stating appreciation for their ongoing participation and looking forward to seeing them on the WCC stage. The association reinforced its stance in an email statement to CNA, reiterating that the change was an administrative decision. It did not respond to inquiries regarding potential political pressure influencing its decision.
Earlier this week, the Taiwan Coffee Association issued a statement noting that Taiwanese competitors will now compete under the name “Chinese Taipei” in WCC
events. The association called the change an unavoidable condition to safeguard their right to participate. It highlighted that Taiwanese competitors have been participating under the name “Taiwan” since 2007, but emphasized that the change was not its own decision and is necessary to ensure continued participation in international events.
Taiwan regularly participates in six major WCC events, including barista, brewing, roasting, latte art, cup tasters, and coffee in good spirits competitions. Winners of domestic contests represent Taiwan abroad.