Coffee from Panama
The brief history of coffee growing in Panama is all about quality over quantity. The unique landscape and micro-climates of this Central American country go hand in hand with a top-down education programme to produce incredible specialty grade coffee that we hope to see much more.
Panama
Coffee production in Panama almost exclusively operates out of the western province of Chiriquí, on the Costa Rican border. Within this region, the topography creates unique micro-climates where the phenomenon of bajareque mists results in cool temperatures that provide similar conditions to those seen at higher altitudes. These conditions result in coffee cherries with a higher sugar content, while the wind in this region keeps pests at bay.
These unique geographical characteristics have allowed farmers in Panama to produce truly exceptional coffee. The Geisha varietal , first grown in the country by famed estate Hacienda La Esmeralda in the 2000s, has become notorious for its high quality and high price and has dictated the market and style of coffee in Panama ever since.
The founding of the Speciality Coffee Association of Panama and the example of Panama Geisha has resulted in a coffee community that is genuinely passionate about quality, environmental responsibility, and creativity.