Panama — Carmen Estate Caturra

Founded in 1960 on the slopes of Volcán Barú, Carmen Estate has become one of Panama’s most celebrated coffee farms. Originally purchased by Carmen Franceschi and her husband Efrain, the estate has remained in the family ever since, now owned by their grandson, Carlos Aguilera Franceschi, and managed by Jean Paul Langenstein.

As interest in Panamanian specialty coffee accelerated in the early 2000s, Carlos invested heavily in quality-focused cultivation and infrastructure, helping position Carmen Estate among the country’s most respected producers. The farm has since featured consistently in the Best of Panama competition, including a winning lot of washed Geisha in 2023 and a top 5 placing in all categories for 2024.

Sat 1800 metres above sea level, in Boquete’s volcanic highlands, the estate benefits from warm, sunny days and cool evening temperatures that slow cherry maturation and build complexity in the cup. Native tree cover across the farm provides natural shade and supports healthy, biologically rich soils, allowing the team to produce exceptional coffees with a strong ecological focus.