Finca La Palestina

First time cooperation: 2023
Cooperation model: Direct Trade

About

Finca La Palestina is a renowned name in the specialty coffee industry in South America, known for its premium lots with unique flavor profiles. The farm has been developed with the dedication of the Alarcón Coronel family for over 70 years, focusing on producing high-quality coffee that offers a consistently exceptional specialty coffee experience.

» Information about Finca La Palestina

Terroir

Situated in the San Jose de Alto district of Cajamarca, Finca La Palestina spans 3 hectares in the northwest of the Jaén Province. About 90% of the San Jose de Alto region consists of hills and forests with diverse ecosystems, particularly abundant medicinal plants. The Alarcón Coronel family’s coffee cultivation area was once lush meadows, positioned at elevations ranging from 1,700 to 1,900 meters above sea level, ideal for cultivating high-quality coffee varieties.

San José del Alto has two cross-cutting river basins: the Tabaconas River basin and the Cochalán River basin. Finca La Palestina belongs to the upper basin, where temperatures fluctuate between 18°C and 24°C, creating optimal climatic conditions for coffee plants to accumulate and transform aromatic compounds. The consistent rainfall leads to high humidity and robust vegetation growth, providing an ideal environment for coffee to express its quality potential.

Finca La Palestina Collaboration of XLIII Coffee

Development

Established in 1951 by Juan Alarcon Gonzales and Sobeida Coronel Martinez, Finca La Palestina was born out of a deep passion for coffee and the fertile land of San Jose de Alto, full of potential. With a wholehearted commitment to quality in every aspect, they ensured a top-notch, consistent specialty coffee experience.

After nearly 40 years of dedication, around 1990, Finca La Palestina was passed down to three sons: Juan, Jose, and Annibal. Inheriting the unyielding desire to create the finest coffee beans in South America, all three took on the responsibility and strived to shape the farm’s direction for the better. They focused on upgrading cultivation areas and facilities, standardizing the entire production process, elevating Finca La Palestina’s operations to new heights. To this day, with over 30 years of farm management, the Alarcón Coronel siblings maintain their determination, fostering the ideals to make Finca La Palestina a source of pride in South America’s specialty coffee.

Sustainable development

Cajamarca, has faced severe deforestation issues, resulting in challenges for agricultural cultivation and the livelihoods of local communities. Understanding the risks and the need for action, Finca La Palestina’s management initiated a comprehensive transformation of their entire operational process. In addition to focusing on enhancing quality, they implemented production measures and processing techniques to minimize environmental impact. The farm actively planted additional native plant species to increase biodiversity and harmony between coffee and the surrounding ecosystem.

Through persistent pursuit of perfection in flavor and holistic sustainability practices, Finca La Palestina’s coffee lots have consistently participated and achieved high rankings in The Cup of Excellence competitions. Notable progress includes moving from 17th place in 2017 to 11th place in 2018. Particularly in 2022, a Gesha coffee lot from this farm excelled, securing the 4th position in the competition in the Cajamarca region with an impressive score of 90,15 SCA points.