In an extraordinary display of market valuation, a Panamanian Gesha coffee has once again captivated the global coffee community by achieving an unprecedented price at auction. This recent sale not only underscores the exceptional quality and rarity of this particular coffee varietal but also signals a growing appreciation for premium single-origin beans across international markets. The consistent record-breaking performances of Gesha coffees from Panama reinforce its esteemed position as one of the world's most sought-after and valuable agricultural products.
The highly anticipated 2025 Best of Panama online auction witnessed a new benchmark for coffee prices. A washed Gesha lot, meticulously cultivated at the renowned Hacienda La Esmeralda in Boquete, Chiriquí, commanded an astounding $30,204 per kilogram. This translates to an impressive $13,705 per pound, demonstrating an unparalleled level of demand for this exquisite coffee. The entire 20-kilogram lot was acquired by Julith Coffee, a Dubai-based company, for a grand total nearing $605,000. Julith Coffee, a relatively new entrant into the specialty coffee scene, having just launched its Al Quoz cafe, made a significant statement with this high-profile acquisition. Notably, Serkan Sağsöz, a prominent figure in the coffee world with multiple Turkish Barista and Roaster Champion titles, is a key individual behind Julith Coffee, signaling serious intent in the premium coffee sector.
The "Canvas of Terroir" themed auction, held from August 6th to 7th, featured intense bidding activity. The record-setting washed Gesha lot received 549 bids and scored an impressive 98 points. Another notable entry was a natural processed Gesha, also from Hacienda La Esmeralda, which scored 97 points and sold for $23,608 per kilogram. While its price was lower than the washed variant, it garnered nearly five times the number of bids, indicating strong competitive interest. Out of 40 Gesha lots presented at the 2025 Panama Cup of Excellence, 28 surpassed the $1,000 per kilogram mark, with 10 even exceeding $1,000 per pound. Collectively, the auction generated a remarkable $2.8 million in sales, with an average price of $2,861 per kilogram.
Rachel Peterson of Hacienda La Esmeralda expressed immense pride in the achievement, viewing it as a testament to the dedication of her team and Panama's commitment to cultivating coffee excellence. Panamanian President José Raúl Mulino also extended his congratulations, emphasizing that such record sales position Panama as a leader among the most discerning global coffee consumers. These extraordinary auction results solidify Panama's reputation as a premier producer of high-quality, high-value specialty coffee, attracting significant attention from connoisseurs and investors worldwide.
The recent auction not only reaffirmed the premium status of Panamanian Gesha coffee but also showcased the dynamic and growing market for luxury coffee. This event serves as a powerful indicator of shifting consumer preferences towards exceptional quality and unique flavor profiles, reinforcing the economic significance of specialty coffee cultivation for producing regions.