Panama

Panama

Explore our diverse selection of coffees from Panama, known for its high-end varietals and flavours. With options as small as 0.5kg, perfect for sampling, to wholesale quantities we provide the options you may need.

Your guide to Panama

  • What is the History of Coffee in Panama?

    Coffee arrived in Panama during the 19th century, with plantations initially established near the coast. However, farmers soon discovered that the highlands offered superior growing conditions for cultivating coffee.
    The 1990s marked a turning point for Panama's coffee industry with the formation of the Specialty Coffee Association of Panama (SCAP). This group prioritized high-quality coffee production over high yields, sharing knowledge and practices that elevated the country's coffee standards.
    During this time, the renowned Geisha varietal began gaining prominence in Panama, further solidifying its reputation as a producer of some of the world's finest specialty beans. Today, Panama is celebrated for its exceptional coffee, particularly its high-altitude, specialty-grade offerings.

  • Why Does High-Quality Coffee Grow Well in Panama?

    Panama’s exceptional coffee-growing conditions make it an ideal location for producing high-quality coffee, including its famed Geisha varietal. The country's narrow distance between oceans creates unique microclimates, with winds from both the north and south contributing to optimal conditions.
    Forests in the region provide shade and act as natural windbreakers, protecting the delicate branches of coffee plants. Additionally, the bajareque—a mist formed by winds over the northern mountains—lowers temperatures, allowing coffee cherries to ripen more slowly. This slow ripening process enhances the cherries’ sweetness and overall quality.
    While the Geisha varietal is a highlight, many Panamanian producers are experimenting with innovative processes, resulting in celebrated small-lot coffees that showcase the region's diversity and potential.

  • What is the Flavour Profile of Panama Coffee?

    Panama coffee is renowned for its sweetness, bright acidity, and diverse flavour profiles. Coffees from this region often feature notes of chocolate, caramel, berries, and florals, with each varietal offering its own unique characteristics.
    The famous Geisha varietal is particularly celebrated for its delicate, tea-like qualities and flavours of papaya, mango, berries, and oranges, often finishing with a smooth and refined aftertaste. Panamanian coffees typically include hints of citrus such as lemon, orange, or bergamot, along with subtle undertones of dark cocoa or cut grass, delivering a balanced and sophisticated cup.
    While the price of Panamanian coffee is higher due to its rarity and exceptional tasting notes, its light body, fruity flavours, and nuanced characteristics make it a truly unique and sought-after experience.

  • How Do We Ensure Sustainable Partnerships with Panama Farmers?

    We ensure sustainable partnerships with Panamanian farmers through our collaboration with Hacienda La Esmeralda, a family-owned farm located in the highlands of Boquete, Panama. Renowned for producing some of the world’s finest specialty coffees, including the legendary Esmeralda Geisha, Hacienda La Esmeralda is a leader in excellence, innovation, and sustainability in the coffee world.
    At Hacienda La Esmeralda, sustainability is a core value. Every step of their process is guided by a commitment to environmental and social responsibility, ensuring that coffee is produced with care for both the planet and the people involved. This partnership enables us to bring you the finest Panamanian coffees while championing sustainable and ethical practices.

Your questions, answered

What is the Green Coffee Collective?

We’re a community of coffee producers and sourcing experts, all working together to make green coffee easy to access—whether you’re a hobby roaster at home or a professional roasting hundreds of tonnes a year. Our platform is designed to simplify buying green coffee, just like any other online shopping experience. No fuss, just great coffee at your fingertips.

Can you facilitate custom sourcing for specific regions in Panama or varietals?

Of Course! Panama is renowned for its exceptional coffee heritage, offering a wide range of high-end varietals and varied growing regions. Whether you’re looking for distinct varietals such as Geisha, Maragogype or Catuai or a specific flavour profile , we can leverage our network of trusted partners in Panama to help you find exactly what you’re looking for. Simply drop us a message at hello@greencoffeecollective.com, and we’ll work closely with you to explore the options and meet your specific needs.

How does Green Coffee Collective support my business growth?

Our vision is to make amazing coffee accessible to roasters of all sizes. We provide all the marketing materials and storytelling you need to showcase the origins of our coffees. If there’s anything missing that’s holding you back from making a purchase, just let us know! We’re always looking for ways to improve and make our products and information even more transparent. Many roasters have successfully scaled their offerings with our support, and we’re here to help you do the same.

How do you handle logistics and shipping for larger orders?

We’ve got you covered! For larger orders, we offer full logistical support, including freight, warehousing, and inventory management. We’ll make sure the process is as smooth and hassle-free as possible, so you can focus on roasting great coffee. If you’re shipping internationally, we can also assist in ensuring smooth delivery.

What is your minimum order quantity (MOQ) for large-scale or long-term contracts?

For larger-scale or long-term contracts, you can start with as little as a single bag. We’re also working on tools to help you access harvests and reserve coffees before they even leave the country. While it’s not fully ready yet, we’re always here to help roasters of any size connect with the producers they want to work with.

Do you offer samples or trial batches before committing to larger orders?

Yes, we offer samples for most of our coffees. If you need a larger sample than what’s typically available, we recommend trying one of the smaller quantity options listed on our site. That way, you can test the coffee before committing to a larger order.