Panama

Panama Coffee Origin Origins and Growing Regions

Coffee was introduced to Panama in the 19th century by European settlers, first in the province of Chiriquí.

Today, most coffee is grown in Boquete, Volcán, and Renacimiento, areas with rich volcanic soil and cool mountain climates.

These regions produce beans with bright acidity, floral notes, and layered sweetness, making them stand out in global competitions.

Famous Varieties

Panama Geisha Coffee: Known for its floral aroma, tea-like body, and notes of jasmine and tropical fruit. It is one of the most expensive coffees in the world, often auctioned at record-breaking prices.

Other varieties include Caturra, Typica, Bourbon, and Pacamara, which offer Flavors ranging from chocolate and almond to fruity and nutty profiles.

Why It’s Special

Microclimates: Panama’s geography allows farmers to grow coffee under unique conditions, producing beans with distinct flavor profiles.

Small-scale farms: Many Panamanian producers focus on quality over quantity, hand-picking cherries and using careful processing methods.

Global recognition: Panama consistently wins awards at international coffee competitions, cementing its reputation as a leader in specialty coffee.

Brands to Try

Some of the best Panamanian coffee brands include:

Café Duran – classic medium roast with chocolate and almond notes.

Cafe Bogue Specialty Coffee – 100% Arabica, washed and sun-dried.

Panama Coffee Gold Reserve – premium Geisha collections

Panama exports about $46.8 million worth of coffee annually, with China, the U.S., Japan, and Europe as its main buyers. Coffee is one of Panama’s top agricultural exports, driven largely by the prestige of its Geisha variety.

Export Value & Ranking

In 2023, Panama exported $46.8 million in coffee, making it the 47th largest coffee exporter worldwide.

Coffee ranked as the 15th most exported product out of Panama’s 1,046 export categories.

Key Export Destinations

China: $15.1 million (largest buyer, fastest-growing market).

United States, Japan, and Europe: Long-standing major destinations for Panamanian specialty coffee.

Export Volume

Panama exports around 50,000 sacks of coffee per year, each weighing 60 kg.

Specialty varieties like Geisha dominate auctions and premium markets, often fetching record-breaking prices.

Economic Importance

The coffee industry provides employment for over 70,000 people in Panama.

Coffee farms are concentrated in Chiriquí province (Boquete, Volcán, Renacimiento), where volcanic soil and high altitudes create ideal growing conditions.

Growth Trends

China’s demand for Panamanian coffee has surged, growing by $4 million between 2022–2023.

Panama’s share of global coffee exports is 0.11%, small but significant given its focus on quality over quantity