Finca La Lúcuma

Finca La Lúcuma is a distinguished coffee estate situated in the Cajamarca region of Peru, a territory increasingly recognized for its ability to produce high-scoring specialty lots. The farm is managed by Grimanes Morales Lizana, whose commitment to rigorous cultivation and processing standards has placed the estate among the elite producers in the country. The farm's reputation is built upon a foundation of precision, particularly in the selection of varieties and the execution of post-harvest techniques that emphasize clarity and cup profile consistency.

The most significant milestone in the farm's history occurred during the 2019 Peru Cup of Excellence (COE) competition. In this prestigious event, Finca La Lúcuma secured the top rank with an impressive score of 92.28. This achievement served as a definitive validation of the farm's agricultural practices, drawing international attention from specialty roasters and importers who prioritize high-scoring, traceable micro-lots.

At the heart of Finca La Lúcuma’s success is the cultivation of the Costa Rica 95 variety. This variety, a dwarf selection of the Catimor lineage, is often prized for its productivity and resistance to leaf rust, but under the specific micro-climatic conditions of Cajamarca and the careful stewardship of Morales Lizana, it has demonstrated the capacity to produce complex, high-scoring cup profiles that compete with more traditional heirloom varieties.

The processing method employed at Finca La Lúcuma is the traditional washed process. By meticulously controlling the fermentation and drying stages, the farm ensures that the inherent characteristics of the Costa Rica 95 variety are preserved and highlighted. This focus on clean, vibrant acidity and balanced sweetness is a hallmark of the farm's output, making it a sought-after origin for roasters looking to showcase the potential of Peruvian specialty coffee.

The 2019 COE auction results underscored the global demand for the farm's production. The winning lots were acquired by a diverse group of international specialty coffee companies, including Maruyama Coffee, Uchida Coffee, and Harrods, among others. These auction results not only provided financial recognition for the producer's labor but also solidified Finca La Lúcuma's status as a benchmark for quality in the Cajamarca region.

For the specialty coffee industry, Finca La Lúcuma represents the intersection of agronomic expertise and market access. The farm's success story illustrates how rigorous lot separation, quality evaluation, and participation in international platforms like the Alliance for Coffee Excellence can transform a local farm into a globally recognized name. It serves as a case study for how producers in Peru are leveraging specific varieties and meticulous processing to elevate their standing in the global specialty market.

Today, the legacy of Finca La Lúcuma remains tied to the high standards established during its breakout performance in 2019. As the specialty coffee sector continues to emphasize traceability and the specific contributions of individual farmers, the work of Grimanes Morales Lizana stands as a testament to the impact of dedicated, quality-focused coffee production in the Andean highlands.