Altieri family

The Altieri coffee story began over two decades ago when Eugene "Don Gene" Altieri, an Italian-American businessman, purchased land in the Boquete region of Panama. Despite having no prior experience in the coffee industry, Altieri recognized the potential of the region's volcanic soil and high-altitude climate. He acquired his first farm, Mima Estate, in 2005 and began planting coffee, eventually expanding the family's holdings to include other parcels such as the Pipim farm. Today, the operation is a multi-generational family effort, with his children actively involved in managing and expanding the Altieri Specialty Coffee brand.

The family's success is deeply tied to their strategic cultivation of the Geisha variety. Don Gene famously sourced his initial Geisha seeds from the Peterson family of Hacienda La Esmeralda, who were instrumental in reintroducing the variety to the global specialty coffee market. These Geisha trees are primarily cultivated at the Mima Estate, located southeast of the Volcán Barú National Park. The farm is organized into specific parcels, many of which are named after Eugene’s grandchildren, reflecting the deeply personal and family-oriented nature of their business.

Beyond Geisha, the Altieri family produces a range of varieties including Catuai, Caturra, and Typica. Their farms, such as the Rola parcel, benefit from the unique microclimates found at high elevations, often exceeding 2,000 meters above sea level. This altitude, combined with the volcanic terroir of Boquete, provides the ideal conditions for developing the complex acidity and sweetness that define their high-scoring micro-lots.

Processing is a cornerstone of the Altieri approach. The family operates their own mill (beneficio), where they employ meticulous post-harvest techniques. This includes controlled fermentation, careful hand-picking of only fully ripe cherries, and precise drying methods. By maintaining strict control over these variables, the family is able to experiment with traditional washed and natural processes, consistently producing clean, balanced, and flavor-forward coffees that appeal to specialty roasters worldwide.

Since 2014, the Altieri family has established a formidable reputation in the competitive coffee circuit, earning multiple prizes in the annual Best of Panama competition. These accolades have solidified their status as a premier producer in the Chiriquí province. Their commitment to quality is further evidenced by their investment in a quality control laboratory, where they conduct sensory evaluations using official Specialty Coffee Association (SCA) cupping protocols to ensure every lot meets their rigorous standards.

For the consumer and the roaster, the Altieri name represents a commitment to traceability and direct relationships. The family has fostered long-standing partnerships with international roasters, often growing alongside their partners in the specialty coffee industry. By offering tours of their farms and mills, they provide transparency into their agronomic culture, allowing visitors to learn about the history of Panamanian coffee and the specific attributes of their award-winning harvests.

Today, the Altieri family continues to balance traditional farming wisdom with modern innovation. As they look to the future, the next generation of the family remains dedicated to the legacy established by Don Gene, focusing on sustainable growth and the continued pursuit of excellence in every cup. Their story serves as a testament to how passion, combined with a willingness to learn and adapt, can transform a newcomer into a respected leader in the global specialty coffee landscape.