6 Best Peruvian Coffee Brands

Peru is the third largest producer of coffee in South America (Brazil is #1, Colombia is #2). Situated on the West side of South America, Peru experiences a warm climate. Highly elevated regions within the Andes mountain range are ideal for the growth of coffee. Peruvian coffee has a very respectable reputation in the world of specialty coffee. With such extensive coffee production from a variety of areas, Peru has plenty of options to offer. We have compiled a list of our picks for the 6 best Peruvian coffee brands!

Can't decide? All of these Peruvian beans are great options, but if we absolutely HAD had to pick one, it would be Volcanica's Chanchamayo coffee!

You can expect your Peruvian coffee to display at least a few of these trademark qualities;

Peru has several well known coffee growing regions spread across the country. The high altitude of the Andes mountain range is a large contributing factor to the high quality of Peruvian beans. Chanchamayo coffee tends to have the best reputation, but other Peruvian growing regions also produce beans that are worth your attention.

The province of Chanchamayo is situated in Central Peru. Chanchamayo coffee beans are very highly regarded, considered to be some of the finest to come out of Peru. This region benefits from an ideal climate and the high elevations of the Andes mountain range. Chanchamayo beans are classified as high grown. Chanchamayo coffee typically exhibits notes of chocolate and nuts and a citrus-toned acidity. Volcanica's product from this region is one of the best Peruvian coffees available!

The Cajamarca region is located in the Northern highlands of Peru. The Northern portion of the Andes mountain range extends throughout this region. The mild climate and fertile soils contribute to optimal coffee growing conditions. While not quite as highly regarded as Chanchamayo, coffee from Cajamarca is definitely worth checking out.

Peru is home to a number of cooperative associations, the most notable of which is Cenfrocafe. Cenfrocafe was founded in 1999, and began with just over 200 coffee farms. Cenfrocafe now serves over 2000 farms spread across Cajamarca! The collective output of coffee by this cooperative is 100% fair trade and nearly 100% organic. The marketing by Cenfrocafe has led to an increase in demand for Peruvian coffee in general. Cenfrocafe benefits numerous family owned farms, and also provides an incentive to produce a higher quality product. It’s truly a win-win situation!

The history of coffee in Peru dates back to the 18th century when coffee was first introduced to the country. Coffee cultivation in Peru began in the late 1700s and has since become an important agricultural industry.

Coffee plants were brought to Peru from neighboring countries, primarily from Brazil and Colombia. The country's diverse microclimates, ranging from coastal areas to high-altitude mountain regions, provide suitable conditions for coffee cultivation.

Coffee production in Peru initially started in small-scale farms owned by indigenous communities and local farmers. These farmers recognized the potential of coffee as a cash crop and began cultivating coffee plants on a modest scale.

During the 19th century, coffee production in Peru experienced significant growth. The government encouraged coffee cultivation and supported the industry's development by providing incentives to farmers. The coastal regions, particularly the provinces of Chanchamayo and Quillabamba, became known for their coffee production.

Peru faced challenges in the early 20th century due to political instability, economic downturns, and global market fluctuations. These factors affected coffee production and exports. However, the country's coffee industry remained resilient, and efforts were made to revitalize and promote Peruvian coffee internationally.

In recent decades, Peru has seen a resurgence in its coffee industry, gaining recognition in the global specialty coffee market. Peru places an emphasis on sustainable and organic coffee production. Many farmers cultivate coffee using environmentally friendly practices, including shade-grown coffee and organic farming methods. Fair trade and direct trade relationships have also become prominent, ensuring that coffee farmers receive fair prices for their crops.

The growth of coffee tourism has also allowed visitors to experience Peruvian coffee culture firsthand, with opportunities to visit coffee farms, participate in cupping sessions, and learn about coffee production processes.

Without further adieu, here is our list of the 6 best Peruvian beans. We hope that you find something new that catches your interest!

And there you have it, our 6 best Peruvian coffees. Hopefully you found something new that sounds worthy to you!

What is your favorite Peruvian coffee? Did we miss something that deserves to be in our list? Let us know!