El salvador become coffee origin: This analysis of El Salvador’s exceptional yet underestimated coffee potential is astute. Despite its small size, Salvadoran terroir and varieties like Pacamara can certainly produce unbelievable quality, as the recent 90+ Cup of Excellence coffees demonstrate.
Yet prices lag behind its prestige, unlike Panamanian Gesha. But with the right cultivation and marketing, could Pacamara also achieve gesha-level status and value for El Salvador? The country’s unique microclimates, quality focus, and skilled producers set the stage for this transformation.
The perspectives of local coffee professionals will provide invaluable insights on opportunities and challenges ahead. Let us dive in with open minds to understand how El Salvador can better leverage its resources. There is always more to discover in this endlessly fascinating industry!
And for those eager to experience Salvadoran coffee first-hand, the Producer and Roaster Forum in El Salvador is an excellent option. Come – let us rally around These producers and explore ideas together. A bright future awaits!
A HISTORY OF COFFEE IN EL SALVADOR
Dear colleagues,
I appreciate you outlining this historical context – it provides invaluable perspective on El Salvador’s coffee journey. Coffee quickly became a major export crop in the 1700s. By the late 1800s it had surpassed indigo dye, earning the “Coffee Republic” moniker.
Government incentives in the 1800s-1900s fueled sector growth. But the 1980s civil war and subsequent political unrest led to a 19% production drop. Despite revival efforts since 2014, volumes haven’t reached historic highs of 2.5 million bags yearly.
This history explains the current gap between prestige and price. Troubled times impacted cultivation and marketing. But the exceptional Cup of Excellence lots prove Salvadoran coffee can compete with the finest.
Understanding the past lights the way forward. Let us rebuild, innovate and promote – the potential is immense. I believe in a bright future for our exceptional coffees. Stay tuned for our producer interviews. There are always possibilities ahead!
WHAT MAKES SALVADORAN COFFEE UNIQUE?
Respected colleagues,
I greatly appreciate you providing this overview of El Salvador’s renowned coffee varieties and ideal growing conditions. It helps explain the prestige Salvadoran coffee has achieved.
As you note, the prevalence of heirloom varieties like Bourbon, Pacas and Pacamara – comprising over 60% of cultivation today – contributes to exceptional quality and flavor profiles. And the rich volcanic soil, high altitudes and abundant shade cover further elevate sensory attributes.
Ms. Pacas makes an excellent point – coffee is embedded in El Salvador’s identity. Generations have been devoted to the craft, fueling infrastructure growth and a deep sense of passion. This pride shines through in the cup.
Understanding this strong coffee culture provides context for the potential ahead. With such prized varieties, ideal terroir and passionate producers, it is clear Salvadoran coffee can compete with the world’s finest. The scores from Cup of Excellence demonstrate this.
Let us rally around these devoted coffee families and leverage their extraordinary coffees. With targeted promotion and innovation, a bright future awaits. I believe in Salvadoran coffee. Onward!
Unique varieties
Dear Maria,
Thank you for enlightening us on the fascinating discovery of the Bernardina variety at Finca Los Boletos! What an incredible find by Mr. Bernardina Meche to notice those distinct cherry mutations. That his attentiveness led to the unveiling of a variety now scoring 90+ points shows the rewards of farmer dedication.
The genetic analysis proving Bernardina’s partial relation to gesha is intriguing. That elite lineage, paired with possible Bourbon and Pacas heritage, explains its exquisite cup profile of jasmine and stone fruits. Such a rare gift of nature and genetics!
Stories like this remind me of the wonders yet to uncover in coffee. Let us continue uplifting the work of devoted producers – their passion fuels innovation. I believe even more delightful discoveries await us in El Salvador’s exceptional coffees. Stay curious, friends. Onward!
COULD VARIETIES LIKE PACAMARA BECOME MORE EXCLUSIVE?
Esteemed colleagues,
You raise an astute comparison between El Salvador and Panama – one I have contemplated as well. Panama’s gesha phenomenon provides an intriguing model for El Salvador to follow with their own prestigious variety, Pacamara.
Despite gesha’s Ethiopian origins, Panama cemented its status starting in 2004, when it fetched $21/lb at auction. Prices have only risen, with this year’s record $2,000/lb gesha lot. A remarkable ascent to prestige!
Meanwhile, though El Salvador’s Cup of Excellence coffees now commonly score 90+, prices lag far behind Panama’s. But with focused marketing and innovation, might Pacamara also achieve elite status and value? The quality potential is certainly there.
This is not to say Pacamara will reach gesha-level prices. But with the right collaborative promotion between producers, government and purchasers, I believe Salvadoran coffee can transform in the eyes of specialty buyers. The value should better reflect the care in cultivation.
Stay hopeful, friends – a brighter future awaits. Let us rally around these devoted coffee families to propel positive change. Their extraordinary coffees deserve recognition. Onward!
How important is marketing?
Dear Rodrigo and Maria,
You both make excellent points on the vital role of marketing in elevating Salvadoran coffee to its full potential. As you say, the terroir and varieties are exceptional – targeted promotion is the missing piece.
Panama’s gesha journey demonstrates marketing’s immense impact. By leveraging the Best of Panama platform and roaster partnerships, they transformed perception of an entire variety and origin. A remarkable case study!
To similarly spotlight Salvadoran coffee’s unique strengths, producers must effectively communicate what makes their coffees special. Pacamara’s quality and rarity provide a compelling story to share with consumers. Focused branding and events would further enhance prestige.
But you’re right – substantive investment is needed to execute an impactful marketing strategy. Funding boutique auctions, securing trade show booths, collaborating on events – this demands significant resources.
It won’t be easy, but I believe in our potential. Stay hopeful, friends – with collective dedication, we can propel positive change. Salvadoran coffee’s time to shine is coming. Onward!
Differentiation is key
Esteemed Maria and Rodrigo,
Thank you for thoughtfully discussing opportunities and challenges in promoting our exceptional coffees. Maria, you make an excellent point – we must retain our uniqueness, not just mimic Panama’s model. Our singular terroir and varieties are strengths to leverage.
And you both acknowledge the immense investment required for intensive marketing efforts, with no guarantee of ROI. BoP’s dominance proves replicating their format could struggle.
However, challenges like Pacamara’s large bean size can be overcome with innovation – like lowering roast temperatures, as Rodrigo shared. We must be proactive problem-solvers.
There are no easy answers, but our passion and dedication will light the path forward. Stay hopeful, fellow coffee champions – through strategic collaboration and tireless effort, we can elevate Salvadoran coffee to new heights. Our potential awaits. Let us realize it together!
LOOKING TO THE FUTURE
Valued colleagues,
I sincerely appreciate this thought-provoking discussion on realizing El Salvador’s immense coffee potential. You both make critical points.
Hosting prestigious events like the upcoming Producer & Roaster Forum will provide impactful promotion opportunities. But most vital is strategic marketing of Pacamara and our other extraordinary varieties on the global stage. United, collaborative efforts are key.
And you are absolutely right – we must also actively empower women and youth to join the coffee sector. Their energy, ideas and dedication will be invaluable.
There are always possibilities ahead. Stay hopeful, fellow coffee champions. If we work passionately together, focused on our strengths, I believe Salvadoran coffee’s brightest days lie ahead. Let us meet this future boldly! Onward.
The role of women and young people
Dear Maria and Rodrigo,
I’m heartened to hear of the increasing collaboration between Salvadoran producers, thanks to the inclusion of women and youth bringing fresh energy and ideas. Maria, your point on openly sharing knowledge being key is excellent – united we are stronger.
Rodrigo, your perspective on balancing quality, quantity and resilience moving forward is wise. With climate pressures intensifying, pragmatic adaptations are essential – though we must safeguard sensory distinction.
There are always trade-offs in farming. But with open minds, passion and care for the future, I believe we can innovate ways to sustain both quality and production. Salvadoran coffee’s next chapter depends on working creatively together.
Stay hopeful, friends. Our cooperation today lights the path for generations of producers to come. I know that if we keep our uniqueness at heart, the future can be bright for us all. Onward!
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