News

A total of 64 lots of premium Panamanian coffee have advanced to the international round of the 2026 Best of Panama (BOP). Following an intense National Cupping week, these exceptional beans cleared the first hurdle of the competition’s 30th edition, organized by the Specialty Coffee Association of Panama (SCAP).

The national stage evaluated over 100 lots submitted by local producers across three main categories: Varietals, Geisha Natural, and Geisha Washed. Over five days, 21 national judges and 10 preliminary judges rigorously cupped and scored the entries, seeking out the specific characteristics that have made Panama a global leader in specialty coffee.

Ricardo Koyner, head judge of the competition and president of SCAP, noted that the participating coffees maintain outstanding flavor profiles despite a lower harvest volume this season. Rachel Peterson, a national judge representing the renowned Hacienda La Esmeralda, added that the evaluation successfully selected only the lots with the precise conditions needed to compete globally.

During the national cupping, judges identified complex flavor notes that highlight the country’s unique terroir. The Geisha Washed category stood out with bright aromas of jasmine, lemon, orange, and tangerine, while the Geisha Natural coffees delivered deep red fruit notes and rich floral expressions.

Now, the competition enters its decisive phase, celebrated this year under the theme Timeless Resonance.

From July 28 to August 1, the 64 classified lots will be analyzed by a panel of 27 international judges and 39 guest judges. These global experts from five continents will conduct rigorous blind tastings to determine the ultimate winners.

The results will be announced at the award ceremony on August 1, culminating in the highly anticipated global auction later this year. As international buyers watch closely, the 30th edition of the Best of Panama continues to redefine the value of high-end coffee while connecting local producers directly with the world market.

5 Things to Know

1. Sixty-four coffee lots advanced to the international round. These premium entries successfully passed the National Cupping phase of the 30th Best of Panama competition.

2. The international judging panel features global experts.
From July 28 to August 1, 27 international judges and 39 guest judges from five continents will blindly evaluate the coffees.

3. Coffees are competing across three main categories.
Producers submitted their finest beans in the Varietals, Geisha Natural, and Geisha Washed categories.

4. Judges highlighted exceptional and complex flavor profiles.
Tasters found jasmine, lemon, and tangerine in the washed lots, while the natural coffees delivered strong red fruit and floral notes.

5. A global auction will follow the August 1 award ceremony.
The top-scoring coffees will eventually be offered to the global market, where Panamanian beans historically set world record prices.