Panama / Penonomé

Kiva Estate is a unique team of native Panamanians who, unlike traditional coffee farmers, come from diverse professional backgrounds such as IT, marketing, and management. Their bond, rooted in a friendship that has lasted over 30 years, eventually led them to the world of coffee farming.

Their journey began with a strong entrepreneurial spirit and a shared fascination with coffee. Two team members already owned a pasture and cattle, and during a gathering with friends, the idea of entering the coffee industry was born. At a time when young people were leaving the coffee industry globally, the friends at Kiva Estate chose to take a different path. Their goal: to produce Panama’s finest Fine Robusta coffee.

The team dedicated a year to gaining the necessary knowledge across South and Central America. They visited top coffee farms in Panama, attended a key coffee expo in Colombia, and connected with industry experts in Costa Rica. The challenge they encountered everywhere was the same: Canephora, or Robusta, wasn’t taken seriously. Most equipment was designed for Arabica production, and in places like Costa Rica and Colombia, growing Canephora was still prohibited.

However, their persistence paid off. The Kiva team brought in Olmedo, a Nicaraguan with a wealth of experience and enthusiasm for coffee farming, to manage the new farm. They sourced seeds from Brazil, selecting the BRS2314 variety, known for its high cupping scores and resistance to coffee leaf rust.

They chose a small hill near Penonomé in the province of Coclé for their venture. This area, rumored to have been a hiding place for pirate Captain Morgan’s treasure, was now home to Kiva Estate. The first farm was established, and the coffee plants were set in the ground—Kiva Estate was born.

Step by step, they assembled their post-harvest machinery, sourcing equipment from Brazil, Colombia, and Costa Rica. Neighboring farmers, skeptical of the city dwellers trying to grow what they considered inferior Robusta coffee, joked about the endeavor. But Kiva Estate was undeterred. The momentum was building.

The first harvest was promising. With their knack for innovation and networking, the Kiva Estate team reached out to Panamanian roasters, baristas, and international contacts. Their big breakthrough came at the World of Coffee Athens, where Kiva Estate’s Fine Robusta was celebrated by European roasters and the Coffee Quality Institute (CQI). Though we missed each other at the event, we connected shortly after through our Canephorum initiative on Instagram. Meanwhile, Kiva Estate’s Fine Robusta gained popularity in Panama City, earning a place at Mentiritas Blancas alongside fine Geshas and other top-tier coffees. Petros Korakianitis, who later became the Panamanian Barista Champion in 2024, became a fan of Kiva’s Fine Robusta.

In February 2024, Lukas visited Kiva Estate, combining the trip with a visit to his family in Colombia. During this visit, the Kiva Estate team and Lukas spent time in Panama City and Coclé, where they signed the purchase agreement, laying the foundation for our newest origin partnership.

We eagerly anticipate the next harvest season and look forward to shaping the Fine Robusta movement together with our partners in Panama!