Hunter Tedman

James Hunter Tedman is a central figure in the Panamanian specialty coffee industry, serving as both a practitioner and a leader in the field. Born and raised in Boquete, Panama, Tedman comes from a multi-generational coffee family; his father was instrumental in the early development of the Specialty Coffee Association of Panama (SCAP) and the initial emergence of the Geisha variety in the region. This deep-rooted history has informed Tedman’s career, which spans over two decades of work in agronomy, farm management, and industry advocacy.

Professionally, Tedman has held significant roles, including serving as the Panama Agronomy Director for the Rogers Family Company (San Francisco Bay Coffee). In this capacity, he has overseen operations for large-scale coffee production and processing, contributing to the company's success in prestigious competitions like the Best of Panama. His expertise as an agronomist is frequently cited in the context of his ability to design advanced agricultural systems that challenge traditional farming norms, aiming to optimize quality and sustainability in the challenging terroir of the Chiriquí province.

Currently, Tedman is the owner and operator of Black Moon Farm and Umbra Farm, and he manages Hacienda Barbara. At Black Moon, which he established in 2018, Tedman focuses on producing high-quality Geisha while also maintaining a diverse 'garden' of experimental coffee varietals. His work with these varieties, particularly the Chiroso, has garnered significant attention, with the varietal achieving notable success and awards in recent Best of Panama competitions, highlighting his role as an innovator in varietal selection.

Beyond his individual farm operations, Tedman is a key institutional leader. As the president of the Specialty Coffee Association of Panama (SCAP), he has been a vocal advocate for the region's coffee industry, emphasizing the importance of the Barú Volcano’s unique microclimates in producing world-class beans. His leadership was instrumental in the 2023 announcement that the World of Coffee trade show would expand to Panama in 2026, a move intended to further solidify the country's status as a global hub for specialty coffee trade and innovation.

Tedman’s approach to coffee is characterized by a blend of traditional knowledge and modern scientific rigor. He frequently speaks on the complexities of coffee farming, emphasizing that the future of the industry relies on better trees and systems that ensure profitability for producers. By bridging the gap between high-level agricultural management and industry-wide policy, he remains a critical link in the supply chain, ensuring that the standards of Panamanian coffee continue to evolve.

For the consumer and the roaster, the name Hunter Tedman represents a commitment to the 'art of the cup' through meticulous farm-level management. Whether through his work with the Rogers Family Company or his independent projects at Black Moon, his influence is felt in the consistent quality of the coffees exported from the Boquete region. As the industry continues to navigate climate challenges and market shifts, Tedman’s work serves as a benchmark for how producers can leverage both heritage and innovation to maintain the prestige of Panamanian coffee on the global stage.