Best of Panama 2025: The Ultimate Coffee Showdown
Every year, coffee lovers and industry insiders eagerly anticipate the Best of Panama competition a prestigious event that showcases some of the world’s finest specialty coffees. In 2025, the competition reached new heights, setting records and drawing global attention to Panama’s exceptional coffee-growing regions, especially the renowned highlands of Boquete.
What is the Best of Panama Competition?
The Best of Panama (BoP) is much more than just a coffee contest. It’s a journey from farm to auction block that highlights Panama’s unique coffee terroir and the craftsmanship of its producers. The event consists of multiple rounds — including national and international cuppings where expert judges evaluate the quality, flavor profiles, and consistency of the submitted coffee lots. Ultimately, the highest-scoring coffees are auctioned off to the highest bidder, often fetching premium prices that reflect their rarity and quality.
The 2025 Competition: Setting a New Standard
This year’s BoP was particularly exciting. With 50 coffee lots submitted including 20 washed Geisha, 20 natural Geisha, and 10 other varietals the competition was fierce. Buyers from over 15 countries gathered virtually and in person, eager to secure some of the most coveted coffee lots in the world.
What made the 2025 event stand out?
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Diverse Coffees: This year’s submissions represented a wide spectrum of Panama’s coffee microclimates, showcasing distinct regional characteristics and experimental processing methods.
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Expert Judges: A panel of internationally respected coffee cuppers brought their keen palates and decades of experience, ensuring a rigorous and fair evaluation.
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Record Auction Interest: More than 300 international buyers attended the auction, representing major specialty coffee roasters, distributors, and boutique cafes from Asia, Europe, North America, and the Middle East.
Why Panama’s Coffee is So Special
Panama’s coffee-growing regions benefit from a unique combination of factors that make its beans exceptional:
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Volcanic soil: Rich, mineral-laden soils contribute to the complexity and sweetness of the coffee.
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Altitude: Many farms are located between 1,200 and 1,800 meters above sea level, allowing slower maturation of coffee cherries and enhancing flavor development.
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Microclimates: Variations in rainfall, temperature, and humidity across small areas create a palette of flavor profiles — from bright and citrusy to rich and chocolatey.
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Geisha Variety: Known for its jasmine, bergamot, and tropical fruit notes, Geisha coffee was popularized in Panama and has become synonymous with the country’s specialty coffee reputation.
What the 2025 Best of Panama Means for the Coffee World
The success of the 2025 competition has several key implications:
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Elevating Panama’s Global Status: With record-breaking scores and auction prices, Panama reinforces its position as a leader in the specialty coffee market.
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Incentivizing Quality and Innovation: High auction prices encourage farmers to invest in sustainable farming, meticulous processing, and experimenting with coffee varieties and methods.
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Boosting Local Economy: The global spotlight on Panama’s coffee draws investment, tourism, and opportunities for smallholder farmers, contributing positively to rural communities.
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Inspiring Coffee Lovers Worldwide: The event fuels curiosity and excitement among consumers eager to experience Panama’s exceptional coffees at home or specialty cafes.
Final Thoughts
The Best of Panama 2025 was a celebration of passion, precision, and provenance. It showcased how Panama’s coffee community continues to push boundaries, delivering beans that delight the senses and command top prices on the world stage.
Whether you’re a casual coffee drinker or a seasoned aficionado, Panama’s coffees from this year are well worth seeking out. Keep an eye out for offerings from the winners and consider supporting the remarkable farmers behind these extraordinary beans.