Obata Coffee Variety: The Perfect Choice for Every Coffee-Growing Region

The Obata coffee variety is the result of a cross between two renowned cultivars: Timor Hybrid and Villa Sarchi. This breeding program was conducted at the Campinas Agronomic Institute (IAC) in Brazil in 2000, with the goal of creating a coffee plant that offers both high productivity and strong disease resistance.

After its development, Obata was introduced to Costa Rica in 2014 by the Costa Rican Coffee Institute (ICAFE). Within a short time, it gained popularity among farmers thanks to its outstanding attributes, becoming a living testament to the achievements of coffee breeding science.

By combining Timor Hybrid - known for its resistance to coffee leaf rust, with Villa Sarchi - prized for its cup quality, Obata inherits both resilience and excellent flavor. In the context of climate change and the increasing threat of pests and diseases, Obata stands out as a strategic choice for coffee-growing regions seeking stable yields and quality.

Obata comes in two main variants: Obata Rojo, with red ripe cherries, and Obata Amarillo, with yellow ripe cherries.

The plants typically grow to 1.8 - 2.4 meters in height, with a wide canopy and vigorous branching. The leaves are dark green, glossy, and oval-shaped - a sign of robust health.

The flowers are white, mildly fragrant, and usually bloom in spring. After pollination, the cherries mature from green to red or yellow, depending on the variety, and ripen evenly, making harvesting easier and more cost-efficient.

Obata beans are medium-sized and uniform in shape. When roasted, they release a sweet aroma, have a creamy body, gentle acidity, and flavor notes of chocolate and citrus. This balanced profile appeals to both the commercial roasting market and the specialty segment.

One of Obata’s most notable strengths is its resistance to coffee leaf rust (Hemileia vastatrix) and root-knot nematodes, two of the most damaging threats to coffee plants. This ensures long-term plant health while reducing reliance on chemical protection.

A remarkable example of its potential is a washed Obata lot from Finca Ahuateno in Puebla, Mexico, produced by Abel Manzano Luna, which achieved 7th place at the Cup of Excellence Mexico 2024 with a score of 87.58 points, a significant accomplishment in the high-quality coffee segment.

The Obata coffee variety is regarded as one of the world’s successful achievements in coffee breeding, thanks to its flexible adaptability to a wide range of terrains and climates.

Bred from Timor Hybrid - renowned for its strong disease resistance and Villa Sarchi - celebrated for its exceptional cup quality, Obata inherits the best of both: vigorous growth and high-quality beans. This enables the variety to thrive not only in cool highland regions but also in areas of medium altitude or with variable climate conditions.

One of the key factors behind Obata’s “all-purpose” reputation is its resistance to coffee leaf rust and root-knot nematodes - two of the most damaging threats to coffee crops worldwide. This resilience allows farmers to significantly reduce pesticide costs while maintaining stable yields over multiple harvests, even under less-than-ideal weather conditions.

1. In what regions and elevations does Obata grow best?

Obata demonstrates remarkable adaptability to a wide range of terrains. It thrives at elevations between 800 and 1,400 meters above sea level, where temperatures are moderate and rainfall is consistent. The ideal soils are basaltic or loamy clay, loose, rich in organic matter, and well-drained.

Thanks to its tolerance for both lowlands and mid-elevation areas, Obata serves as a versatile choice for coffee-growing regions worldwide—from the highlands of Central America to humid tropical zones.

2. What care regime does Obata require for optimal yields?

To achieve peak productivity, Obata requires balanced fertilization (especially nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, and trace elements) and well-managed canopy pruning to optimize light penetration and airflow.

While its resistance to coffee leaf rust and nematodes reduces pest control costs, regular monitoring is still necessary to detect other potential threats. Maintaining ground cover or intercropping with shade trees helps retain moisture, prevent erosion, and enhance cup quality.

3. Does cultivating Obata offer long-term economic benefits?

Absolutely. With consistently high yields (averaging 5-7 tons of green coffee per hectare) and lower disease-control expenses, Obata delivers sustainable profits over the years. Its stable bean quality, balanced flavor with a sweet finish, suits both commercial and specialty markets, diversifying sales channels.

In regions such as Brazil, Costa Rica, and Mexico, Obata has proven capable of maintaining both yield and profitability even under changing climate conditions.

4. Is Obata suitable for sustainable coffee farming models?

Yes, very much so. Its strong disease resistance reduces the need for chemical pesticides, limiting negative impacts on the environment and farmers’ health. It also adapts well to agroforestry systems or organic farming, thanks to its broad adaptability and relatively low maintenance requirements. This makes it easier for growers to meet sustainability certifications such as Rainforest Alliance or Fairtrade.

5. Does Obata have export potential, or is it best for domestic markets?

Obata has clear export potential. Its balanced flavor, sweet finish, and smooth body are well-regarded internationally, particularly in the premium commercial roasting segment.

Several Obata lots from Mexico and Brazil have been recognized in prestigious competitions like the Cup of Excellence, opening doors to major global roasters. As a result, the variety is well-suited for both domestic consumption and inclusion in export coffee supply chains.