Alejandro Renjifo

Alejandro Renjifo is a foundational figure in the development of the modern Colombian specialty coffee sector. Before establishing his own production projects, he built a significant reputation as an exporter and industry leader. His career includes serving as the President of the Colombian Coffee Federation in North America, where he was instrumental in launching the Specialty Coffees of Colombia commercial program. Through his company, Fairfield Trading, he has spent decades bridging the gap between remote, high-quality Colombian producers and the international specialty market, maintaining purchasing stations in regions like Huila and Tolima to facilitate direct relationships with farming communities.

In recent years, Renjifo transitioned into the role of a producer with the establishment of his own farm, Reina de Saba. The farm is situated at a high altitude in San Agustín, a region in southern Huila renowned for its ideal coffee-growing conditions. This project represents a culmination of his extensive experience in the industry, allowing him to apply his deep knowledge of quality control and processing directly to the cultivation of coffee cherries.

At Reina de Saba, Renjifo focuses on cultivating high-value varieties, specifically Caturra, Typica, and Gesha. The farm's Gesha production is particularly notable, with seeds reportedly hand-selected from specific trees in the Acevedo region before being planted in the high-altitude environment of San Agustín. This meticulous approach to variety selection and site-specific cultivation has resulted in coffee lots that are frequently featured by top-tier specialty roasters.

Processing at the farm is handled with a focus on precision, typically utilizing washed methods to highlight the inherent characteristics of the varieties. The resulting coffees, particularly the Gesha and the increasingly rare 100% Typica lots, are recognized for their distinct, clean, and complex flavor profiles. These coffees are often cited for their unique expressions of the terroir found in the southern Huila mountains.

Renjifo’s influence extends beyond his own farm, as he remains a key partner for many of Colombia’s most respected producers. His work involves not only exporting but also providing infrastructure and support for farmers to improve their quality and economic outcomes. By fostering these relationships, he has helped elevate the profile of Huila as a premier origin for specialty coffee, emphasizing the importance of direct trade and quality-focused partnerships.

Today, the Reina de Saba label is synonymous with high-end, traceable Colombian coffee. For the consumer, the tag represents a commitment to quality and a direct link to one of the most experienced professionals in the coffee supply chain. His dual perspective—as both a veteran exporter and a hands-on producer—provides a unique level of oversight that ensures the coffee reaching the roaster is of the highest possible standard.