In 2006 The Alliance for Coffee Excellence entered into a strategic alliance with the National Coffee Association to further the goals of both organizations.

The National Coffee Association of the U.S.A., Inc. (NCA), established in 1911, is the leading trade organization for the coffee industry in the United States. NCA is the only trade association that serves all segments of the US coffee industry, including traditional and specialty companies. A majority of NCA membership, which accounts for over 90% of US coffee commerce, are small and mid-sized companies and include growers, roasters, retailers, importer/exporters, wholesaler/suppliers, and allied industry businesses.

NCA provides a wide array of services, focusing on market and scientific research, domestic and international government relations, issues management and public relations, and education. The NCA’s mission is to champion the well-being of the US coffee industry within the context of the world coffee community.