November – March
Panama, known for its famed canal, is a curvy and narrow landmass that serves as a physical and cultural bridge between Central and South America. This skinny isthmus holds hundreds of idyllic deserted islands, densely forested wilderness, and a cosmopolitan city with modern skyscrapers. The terrain of Panama is quite unique—mountainous regions and nutrient-rich volcanic soil create numerous microclimates across the country, which also act as impeccable coffee producing ground.
Coffee’s Role in Panama
Coffee production in Panama can be traced back to the 19th century with the settlement of European immigrants. It reached its peak around the 1990s, when the country produced around 200,000 bags per year. Production since then has steadily declined, but many of the country’s farms are thriving because its volcanic soil, altitude and climate offer an ideal environment for producing specialty coffee. Panama’s reputation in the specialty industry far exceeds its fairly slender offering in terms of quantity.
Regions & Cup profile