Whenever people from around the world think about Peru, they think about our rich history and world-famous archeological sites such as Machu Picchu. Recently, however, the tasty and flavorful coffees that we have developed over the last two centuries may also come to mind. In fact, South American nation Peru has become one of the top exporters of coffee around the world. This success stems from our variety of climates, responsible management of our coffee fields, and permanent quality and productivity controls. All of these factors result in coffees of the highest quality, grown with utmost care by the hands of family farmers.
Our different regions and twenty-eight microclimates make Peru ideal for cultivating some of the finest coffees in the world. The Peruvian coffee industry’s greatest asset is the Andes mountain range, which stretches north-to-south across the entire mainland. Ninety-eight percent of the coffee fields are located in the mountain range, with three-quarters of the crop grown at elevations between 3,900 feet and 6,500 feet; most production occurs from April to August when temperatures are ideal for growing at that elevation. Though the majority of production occurs during these months, the different elevations and microclimates in the Andes allow coffee to be harvested year- round.
The three different coffee-producing areas in the Peruvian Andes are the northern, central, and southern sections. The northern section accounts for more than half of Peru’s overall production and includes the regions of Cajamarca, Amazonas, San Martin, Piura, and Lambayeque. The central region accounts for 28 percent of production and includes Junin (Chanchamayo), Pasco (Villarica), and Huanuco. The southern regions of the country such as Puno, Cusco, and Ayacucho represent 17 percent of total production. Every specific region creates its own special flavor, aroma, and quality; and the producers from each region include their own traditions and customs to produce a unique variety of coffees. While about three quarters of the beans are Typica and Caturra species, twenty percent are Catimadores, Pache, and Bourbon varieties, providing coffee connoisseurs a broad selection of distinct, gourmet flavors from Peru.
In addition to providing many different varieties of coffee, Peru is also recognized as a leader in the production and export of coffees certified by Fair Trade International, Rainforest Alliance, and other agencies concerned with social and environmental responsibility. Of the 425,000 hectares used for farming, thirty-six percent is certified as land where social and environmental responsibility is practiced. The Peruvian coffee business also complies with international guidelines to help provide a stable income for 223,000 Peruvian families. In all aspects of production, Peru is committed to protecting the everyday farmer and the sanctity of the rain forest.
We are proud to have been nominated as the official 2014 Portrait Country, and we welcome attendees from all over the world to join us in Seattle at The Event. While at the show, please come by our booth for a taste of Peru.
Our delicious and distinct hot coffee will be waiting for you!