Jonathan Gasca [23]

Jonathan Gasca is a young, traditional coffee farmer from Pitalito, Huila—the heart of Colombia’s most productive coffee region. Born into a family deeply rooted in coffee farming, Jonathan's grandparents and parents focused on producing quantity over quality, selling their harvest to the highest bidder to secure a steady income.

As a child, Jonathan, like his older brother Johan, dreamed of becoming a professional soccer player. They spent their days playing soccer with friends and neighbors, eventually moving to Cali to train with a professional team. However, life away from home proved challenging. Struggling with loneliness and financial hardship, they realized that their dreams of soccer stardom were not meant to be. They decided to return to their roots in Pitalito, embracing the family tradition of coffee farming.

In 2008, the concept of specialty coffee was just beginning to take hold. Together with his uncle and brother, Jonathan started experimenting with specialty coffee on a plot of land their father had given them. Their first attempt, a Honey-processed coffee, was met with disappointment when it was rejected by the SKM cooperative due to its unconventional appearance. Despite the setback, Jonathan remained determined to pursue quality coffee, even as his family was skeptical.

Inspired by the success of the Lasso family—friends known for their exceptional specialty coffees—Jonathan continued to learn and refine his craft. His passion for understanding and producing high-quality coffee grew stronger, driven by the desire to elevate his family’s legacy and bring recognition to the coffee that has been central to their lives.

Today, Jonathan and Johan dream of achieving global recognition, not just for financial success, but to honor their family tradition and celebrate the coffee that has given them everything. They are committed to producing coffee that reflects their dedication to quality and their pride in continuing the Gasca family legacy.