Merit Coffee Earns Two Gold Medals at the 2026 Global Coffee Awards

SAN ANTONIO, Sept. 15, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Merit Coffee Company, the Texas specialty coffee roaster known for its community-driven cafés and award-winning coffee program, has been awarded two gold medals at the 2026 Global Coffee Awards, an international competition recognizing excellence in coffee quality and roasting.

The two gold-medal-winning coffees include Lucem, Merit's "everyday blend," and a limited-edition Peru Gesha Natural that will debut as part of the company's upcoming holiday coffee rollout. Both coffees received top recognition following a rigorous double-blind evaluation by an international panel of certified coffee professionals.

Merit's Lucem Brand has become a signature part of Merit's coffee program and is one of the company's most widely available coffees. Utilizing coffees sourced from Honduras and Brazil, Lucem is sold across all 15 Merit cafés and is also available throughout Texas at retail partners including select H-E-B's, Whole Foods Market, Sprouts, Kroger, and Central Market. Lucem can also be ordered on Merit's online shop at MeritCoffee.com.

The second gold medal was awarded to a Peru Gesha Natural, offering an early glimpse at one of the coffees Merit will introduce during its holiday coffee rollout. The coffee will be released later this year, with additional details regarding its sourcing, character, and availability to be announced closer to its debut.

Both award winning coffees were roasted by Merit's Head Roaster & Q Grader, Carlos Riaño, who recently qualified for the United States Coffee Roasting Championship and will compete this December for a chance to advance to the global finals.

The Global Coffee Awards evaluates coffees solely on sensory quality, with judges assessing attributes including aroma, flavor, balance, sweetness, acidity, body, and overall cup performance. The competition also recognizes the collaborative work of producers and roasters in bringing exceptional coffees from farm to cup.

The two gold medals underscore Merit's continued commitment to sourcing exceptional coffees and thoughtfully roasting each coffee to highlight its unique qualities. The recognition also celebrates both a coffee that customers already know and love and an award-winning coffee that will soon make its way into their cups.

In addition to the two gold medals, five additional Merit coffees received bronze medals, bringing the company's total recognition at the 2026 Global Coffee Awards to seven medals. Camino de Oro, Patlanalan Community, Saddle Up, and Sugarcane Decaf were among the additional Merit coffees recognized, further highlighting the breadth and quality of the company's coffee program.

Additional details regarding the release of the Peru Gesha Natural and Merit's holiday coffee lineup will be announced through Merit Coffee's social media channels and website in the coming months.

About Merit Coffee

Founded in San Antonio in 2009, Merit Coffee is a Texas specialty coffee company dedicated to sourcing, roasting, and serving exceptional coffee. With cafés across San Antonio, Austin, Dallas, and Houston, Merit is committed to creating welcoming spaces where quality coffee, genuine hospitality, and community come together. Merit's coffees are available online, in cafés, and through retail partners across Texas.

Media Contact:
Charlie Paulette
[email protected]

SOURCE Merit Coffee