One of the most important points for the production of the peruvian coffee is the value chain. In this sense, the multiculturalism of Peru has allowed it to respect various customs and procedures, which find their origins in a unique coffee tradition, which protects the traceability and sustainability of this flow.
The Peruvian Andes are an excellent setting for growing high altitude coffee: Peruvian coffee grows from 600 meters above sea level. up to 1,800 meters above sea level, however, 75% of the coffee plantations are located above 1,000 meters above sea level.
For their part, specialty coffees are usually grown at altitudes greater than 1,300 meters above sea level. In addition, the multiple microclimates that can be found in Peru make it one of the most biodiverse countries in the world.
In general, special coffees are of the Arabica type, due to the sensory characteristics that compose it, such as its flavor, body and aroma.
Peruvian Coffee Today
Coffee is the first Peruvian agricultural product for export and is the seventh coffee exporting country worldwide. Not only does it lead agricultural exports but it is among the 10 main export products, after some minerals, oil, natural gas, fishmeal, among others.
Peru is the second world exporter of organic coffee, after Mexico.
Peru has 425,416 hectares dedicated to the cultivation of coffee, which represent 6% of the national agricultural area. The growth potential of coffee in the country is around 2 million hectares.
Coffee plantations are installed in 17 regions, 67 provinces and 338 districts.
Currently, 223,482 families of small producers are involved in coffee production nationwide and 95% of them are farmers with 5 hectares or less of the product.
One third of agricultural employment is related to the coffee market. 2 million Peruvians depend on this activity.
30% of coffee producers belong to some type of organization and 20% export directly through their producer organizations.
80% export through export companies and 5% have higher education.
In Peru, coffee is a flagship product recognized by international palates thanks to its great potential when grown in a variety of soils and microclimates. In response to international demand, a specialty coffee industry has been developing in this Andean country for some decades, which has been favored by local efforts at fair trade and organic production.
In this context, coffee has become a source of employment for more than 2 million Peruvians and 223,738 families for whom the product is a means of subsistence. They grow 70% of the country’s main traditional agricultural product.