Alberto & Carlos Lizarazo

Hacienda San Alberto, managed by Alberto and Carlos Lizarazo, represents a significant example of Colombian specialty coffee production. Located in the municipality of Buenavista within the department of Quindío, the estate has been under family ownership since 1972. Over the decades, the Lizarazo family has transitioned the farm from a traditional operation into a model of vertical integration and high-end quality production.

The farm's reputation is built upon a rigorous focus on quality control and processing standards. This dedication to excellence has allowed the Lizarazo family to distinguish their coffee in both domestic and international markets. Their approach combines traditional agricultural knowledge passed down through generations with modern techniques designed to meet the demands of the specialty coffee sector.

A defining moment for the farm occurred during the Colombian National Quality Competition, an event organized by the Federación Nacional de Cafeteros (FNC) under the 'Colombia, Land of Diversity' banner. During this competition, a lot of late-harvest washed Caturra from Hacienda San Alberto achieved a record-breaking price of $31 per pound at auction. This sale, purchased by a buyer from Shanghai, served as a landmark achievement for the farm and highlighted the global demand for their specific production.

The success of Hacienda San Alberto is reflective of the broader efforts by the FNC to showcase the diversity of Colombian coffee while facilitating direct access to international markets for producers. By participating in these high-level auctions, the Lizarazo family has successfully leveraged their farm's unique terroir and processing methods to improve their economic standing and elevate the profile of Quindío coffee.

For the roaster and the consumer, the Lizarazo name is synonymous with the meticulous standards required to produce award-winning Colombian coffee. Their work demonstrates the potential for family-owned farms to achieve global recognition through consistent quality building and strategic participation in national quality initiatives. The farm remains a notable case study in how vertical integration and a focus on specialty-grade output can transform a traditional coffee estate into a globally recognized brand.

While the Lizarazo family of Hacienda San Alberto is distinct from other producers in the region, their story is part of the larger narrative of the approximately 550,000 families that drive the Colombian coffee industry. Their continued operation serves as a testament to the resilience and innovation required to maintain high standards in a competitive and often volatile global market.