Echavarría Family

The Echavarría family’s involvement in the coffee industry spans four generations, rooted in the Antioquia region of Colombia. While the family has a long history in the sector, the modern iteration of their business was established nearly three decades ago by Don Pedro Echavarría. Under his leadership, the family transitioned from traditional farming to a sophisticated, vertically integrated model, focusing on the Santa Bárbara Estate as their primary hub for production, processing, and export.

Central to the family's success is their commitment to quality control and traceability. The Santa Bárbara Estate is known for its high-altitude, volcanic soil environment, which provides ideal conditions for coffee cultivation. The family manages the entire production chain, from the seed to the final export, ensuring that every step is monitored. This dedication extends to their workforce, as the family incentivizes employees to prioritize quality over quantity through ongoing education and resources.

In 2011, the family achieved a significant milestone by exporting their first container to international markets, marking the beginning of their reputation as a reliable source for high-end specialty coffee. This success was built upon a foundation of daily cupping and meticulous processing methods, such as sun-drying coffee in long rows with frequent turning to ensure even moisture content. These practices have allowed them to consistently produce microlots that meet the rigorous standards of the global specialty coffee industry.

Beyond their own farms, the family founded Pergamino Specialty Coffee, an organization that serves as a bridge between smallholder Colombian producers and the international market. Pergamino provides essential services to other farmers, including agronomic advice, wet and dry milling, and access to global buyers. This initiative has been instrumental in helping small producers improve their livelihoods and gain recognition for their coffee, effectively scaling the family's expertise to benefit the broader Colombian coffee community.

Today, the family’s operations are led by Pedro Echavarría Jr., who continues to prioritize sustainability and innovation. The family has been proactive in adapting to modern challenges, such as labor shortages, by strategically downsizing production areas to focus on higher-quality output. This forward-thinking approach includes the cultivation of rare varieties, such as Chiroso, and the implementation of innovative processing techniques that have garnered acclaim in international competitions and among specialty roasters.

The family’s influence is further evidenced by their presence in Medellín, where they operate multiple Pergamino cafés. These spaces serve as a showcase for their own harvests and the coffees of the producers they support. By maintaining a presence in both the origin and the retail sector, the Echavarría family has established a comprehensive model that emphasizes transparency, quality, and the economic sustainability of the coffee supply chain.