Panama Coffee Impressions


Impressions of the visit of Willem J. Boot to Panama- project: creation of appellation system - SCAP (Specialty Coffee Association of Panama) - September 24-30 2000

Panama is a very unique coffee country. If you look for the attributes that can create a true specialty coffee; in Panama you will find them all. I was hired by the SCAP (Specialty Coffee Association of Panama) to create a coffee appellation system for the Panamanian specialty coffees. My first trip to Panama served two primary goals: fact finding about the different coffee regions of Panama and meeting with SCAP members to discuss and develop common goals and strategies. My next visit to Panama will be in February 2001 and in the coming four months we wish to develop the fundaments for a comprehensive appellation system that should serve two long term goals: first, to strengthen and improve specialty coffee standards and second, to improve price differentials for Panamanian specialty coffee.
	It was the rainy season in Panama! During the mornings we could enjoy at least four hours of dry weather with pleasant sunshine and in the early afternoon the rain would come with the precision and regularity of a Swiss clock!

	Next Page