The best of Costa Rican coffee

with focus on the fantastic specialty coffee from the hills around the lush Tarrazu Valley, grown and processed with love and passion and specialty roasters located in Germany

Costa Rica’s attention to land and water use has always made it a top specialty coffee producer. The micro mills experimenting with honey and natural processing have long led the industry in the creation of distinctive coffees that roasters have cherished.

Alliance for Coffee Excellence

June, 2024

Recent Posts


  • Tarrazu Landscape

    EU + iCafe

    Costa Rica Meets EU Standards Costa Rica—long a global conservation leader—strengthens its green credentials with the project “Café+” This initiative helps 2,600+ producers meet new and strict strict EU regulations while building on the country’s renowned environmental commitment.  Particularly in Tarrazu the many small family farms have always demonstrated a concern for their environment. With…

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  • Cafe Ceres Cosecha 2025

    Cafe Ceres

    A Day with Alexandra A Generous Welcome Despite the Season’s End Alejandro came to her finca and beneficio to meet me although she had actually finished processing the last of her harvest the day before and really needed a rest. This gesture speaks volumes about Alexandra’s dedication to sharing her coffee story, even at the…

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  • Beneficio M&M

    Beneficio de Cafe M&M

    Pura Vida: Tradition and Innovation in Tarrazu Nestled in the renowned Tarrazu region, Don Roberto Mata’s beneficio buzzes with activity during the harvest season. Despite his busy schedule overseeing the processing of freshly harvested cherries, Don Roberto graciously shared insights about his operation and export practices to Germany. Before establishing his own beneficio, Don Roberto…

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  • La Montana Tarrazu - Finca

    La Montana Tarrazu

    Harvest time! The Beneficio La Montana Tarrazu is just a short drive from San Marcos, where the history of coffee in Tarrazu began, shortly before the end of the 19th century. Coffee production here has undergone remarkable transformation over time. In the early days, coffee had to be transported by ox-drawn carts to San José,…

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  • Rain damaged coffee plant

    A Second Visit to La Casona

    Once again, I was impressed by the friendliness and openness I often experience in Costa Rica. My conversation with Jorge offered a revealing glimpse into the challenges facing local coffee producers this season. While every season brings difficulties, this year’s changing conditions have been particularly challenging. Climate Challenges and Their Impact The heavy rains have…

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