Panama

Flag of Panama

Country Profile

Panama City, Panama

Coffee Profile

History

Decades after Panama achieved independence from Spain, European immigrants began to settle in Panama in the late 19th century, bringing along with them, coffee for cultivation.

Coffee was first cultivated in Chiriqui, a province located in the west of the country, near the border with Costa Rica. However, it did not lead to agricultural production until at least the beginning of the 20th century.

A coffee finca in Boquete, Panama. Credit: Ken Mayer, CC BY 2.0

Two indigenous tribes that resided in the Chiriqui highlands — the Ngäbe and Buglé tribes —  continue to play an important role in Panama’s coffee production to this day.

Coffee Production in Panama

Today, Panama’s coffee production constitutes only 0.1% of the total coffee production in the world.

Despite its low production, Panama has successfully established its reputation in the specialty coffee industry, ever since the rediscovery of the much coveted Gesha in Boquete in 2004.

An auction in July 2018 sold a 45kg sack of Panama Gesha for $80,300 (~RM321,200), making it the current record holder for the most expensive coffee in the world!

There are three prime coffee regions in Panama, ranging from 1,000 to 1,600 metres above sea level. Boquete is the oldest and most well-known region, followed by Volcan and Renacimiento.

A view of the Volcán Barú, an active volcano and the tallest mountain in Panama. Credit: Sachagriffin, CC BY-SA 3.0

These mountainous regions and their nutrient-rich volcanic soil create numerous microclimates, including a mist phenomenon known as bajareque that slows down the ripening of coffee cherries, ultimately contributing to Panama coffee’s sweetness and complexity.

The bajareque is a phenomenon that occurs from December to March, when a fine misting rain is pushed over from the Atlantic into the highlands. The combination of sun, wind and bajareque provides endless rainbows. Credit: gailhampshire, CC BY 2.0

Another factor that puts Panama on the map of the coffee world is its attention to detail throughout the whole process of coffee production, from the picking, maintenance of the farms, through to the processing.

Characteristics

The best Panama coffees have bright acidity, sweet and balanced with a relatively full body.

Sources:

1. “Panama” Mercanta.
2. “About Panama” Specialty Coffee Association of Panama, 2018.
3. “Prize-Winning Panamas” Davids, K., Coffee Review,July 1, 2000.