Costa Rica Don Claudio

MEDIUM ROAST Milk Chocolate | Nougat | Mandarin Orange

This lot is produced by smallholder farmers cultivating an average of 1.3 hectares at elevations reaching 2,000 meters in the Chirripó Mountains—the highest region in Central America. Handpicked cherries are delivered to the eco-friendly mill, where mucilage is removed using centrifugal force—eliminating the need for traditional fermentation, reducing water use, and minimizing nutrient runoff. The cup is balanced with a creamy body and medium acidity.

The Co-op: This coffee is named in tribute to Don Claudio, the founding president of CoopeAgri El General R.L. His forward-thinking vision aimed to empower smallholder farmers by giving them a stronger voice in the coffee value chain. Under his guidance, CoopeAgri was established in November 1962, and it has since become a cornerstone of the economic and social landscape in southern Costa Rica.

From its humble beginnings as a small coffee processing facility, CoopeAgri has grown into Costa Rica’s largest cooperative. Today, it represents over 8,000 members and employs more than 700 people. Its influence extends far beyond coffee, playing a vital role in the community through a range of businesses including a café, six supermarkets, a fuel station, agricultural supply centers, a hardware store, and even a medical clinic.

Fairtrade premium investments have helped fund a variety of initiatives, such as the creation of a cupping lab and programs focused on organic fertilizer production, reforestation, and environmental education—all central to the cooperative’s long-term sustainability