In 2004, Hacienda la Esmeralda sparked the modern Gesha coffee movement when they identified this prized plant on the Mario lot. Originally purchased by the Peterson family in the 1960s as cattle pasture, the land had nurtured coffee since the 1890s. By 1988, the family pivoted, focusing on redeveloping the farm exclusively for coffee.
Recognizing superior quality in a specific group of coffee trees within the Mario lot, Hacienda la Esmeralda diverged from tradition, separating coffee into microlots to showcase exceptional varieties. This microlot made its debut in the Best of Panama competition, unveiling the modern world's first pure Gesha coffee. This groundbreaking lot fetched a price ten times higher than others, marking the dawn of specialty coffee's new wave.
Today, the Peterson family's commitment to innovation and quality sustains Hacienda la Esmeralda's position as a leader in the global coffee landscape. Continual improvement and expansion programs solidify their standing among the world's top coffee producers.
