Don Juan Alarcón and family
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Don Juan Alarcón and his son José are producers based in the Cajamarca region of Peru, operating Finca La Palestina. They are recognized for their commitment to high-altitude specialty coffee, specifically cultivating rare varieties like Sidra to achieve exceptional cup quality.
The tag 'Don Juan Alarcón and family' refers to a multi-generational coffee-producing operation centered in the Cajamarca region of Peru. The family's agricultural journey is anchored by Finca La Palestina, a farm that Juan Alarcón first acquired in 1978. Over the course of nearly five decades, the family has developed a deep understanding of the specific terroir of their land, which sits at an elevation of 1,900 meters above sea level.
Today, the farm operates as a collaborative partnership between Juan Alarcón and his son, José Alarcón. This structure represents a blend of traditional knowledge and modern agricultural perspectives. By combining Juan’s decades of experience in managing the land with José’s fresh approach to specialty coffee production, the family has successfully transitioned their output toward high-value, specialty-grade lots that appeal to international markets.
The family is particularly noted for their work with the Sidra variety, a cultivar that has gained significant attention in the specialty coffee industry for its complex flavor profile. By focusing on high-altitude cultivation and precise processing methods—specifically the washed process—the Alarcón family has been able to produce clean, crisp coffees that highlight the unique characteristics of the Cajamarca region.
For the specialty coffee industry, the work of the Alarcón family serves as a case study in the importance of long-term land stewardship. Their ability to maintain a productive farm for nearly fifty years demonstrates the resilience required to navigate the challenges of coffee farming, from climate variability to the shifting demands of the global market.
For roasters and consumers, the 'Don Juan Alarcón and family' tag signifies a commitment to traceability and quality. When a coffee is identified by this producer tag, it indicates that the lot has been managed with a focus on variety-specific processing and high-altitude quality standards, rather than bulk commodity production.
As the Peruvian specialty coffee sector continues to gain international recognition, producers like the Alarcón family are at the forefront of this evolution. Their transition toward cultivating sought-after varieties like Sidra reflects a broader trend among smallholder farmers who are leveraging their specific microclimates to compete in the global specialty market, ultimately improving the economic viability of their family operation.