Diana Arboleda Tabares

Diana Arboleda Tabares is a coffee producer operating in the Urrao region of Colombia, specifically managing the farm known as La Esperanza. Located in San Carlos, Urrao, at an elevation of approximately 1,800 meters above sea level, the farm is a small-scale operation spanning two hectares. Arboleda Tabares assumed management of the family property in 2011, marking a significant shift in the farm's focus toward specialty coffee production.

A central element of Arboleda Tabares' work at La Esperanza is the cultivation of the Chiroso variety. This variety has gained significant attention in the specialty coffee industry for its unique sensory characteristics, which often include bright acidity, floral notes, and pronounced tropical fruit flavors. The transition to this specific variety has been a defining feature of her management, aligning the farm with the growing demand for high-quality, distinct genetic profiles in the specialty market.

The production process at La Esperanza emphasizes precision and quality control. Coffee cherries are hand-picked at the peak of ripeness to ensure optimal sugar content and flavor development. Following the harvest, the cherries undergo a floating process to remove defects. The processing method typically involves holding the cherries in-cherry for 24 hours, followed by an underwater fermentation period lasting between two and three days. After fermentation, the coffee is washed and dried until it reaches a moisture content of 10.5%.

This meticulous approach to processing is designed to highlight the inherent qualities of the Chiroso variety. By controlling the fermentation and drying stages, Arboleda Tabares is able to produce a consistent cup profile that has been featured by specialty roasters, such as SEY Coffee. These partnerships allow her coffee to reach international markets, where it is often highlighted for its traditional Chiroso characteristics.

For the specialty coffee industry, the story of La Esperanza represents the impact of smallholder farmers who focus on variety selection and rigorous processing techniques. By specializing in a rare variety like Chiroso, Arboleda Tabares has positioned her farm within a niche segment of the Colombian coffee sector that prioritizes quality over volume. This strategy provides a pathway for small-scale producers to differentiate their product in a competitive global market.

As a producer, Arboleda Tabares' work reflects broader trends in Colombian coffee, where farmers are increasingly moving toward high-value varieties and refined processing methods to improve their economic outcomes. Her management of La Esperanza serves as a documented example of how individual producers can influence the quality and reputation of coffee from specific regions like Urrao, contributing to the ongoing evolution of specialty coffee traceability and production standards.