Producer: Juan Ramón Alvarado
Farm: Finca Brumas del Zurquí
Region: Heredia
Altitude: 1,650 MASL
Varietal: Ethiopian Heirloom
Process: Washed
Roast: Light-Medium
Notes: Semi-Sweet Chocolate, Green Grape, Orange Zest

Juan Ramón Alvarado is a fourth-generation farmer and the current caretaker of Finca Brumas del Zurquí, a 125-year-old farm in Costa Rica’s Heredia canton, just outside San Jose. Now a specialty coffee estate focused on regenerative agriculture, Finca Brumas del Zurquí has evolved significantly over the years. Alvarado exclusively uses eco-friendly products on his land, adhering to strict ecological standards to benefit the environment and improve the quality and yield of his coffee.

Juan and his family began expanding their processing infrastructure in 2003-2004, building a mill, cupping laboratory, and roastery to maintain quality control. In the past few years they have faced labor shortages due to both the pandemic and workers moving to other countries in search of other employment. However, Juan takes great pride in what he does and is glad to have been able to build a family and provide a positive social and economic impact to his community through coffee.

Our COO and green coffee buyer met Juan Ramón Alvarado at the 2024 Coffee Expo in Houston, introduced by our longtime Direct Trade partner Juan Diego de la Cerda of Finca El Socorro. We look forward to visiting the farm in 2026 to solidify a new Direct Trade relationship!