Lisbeth Quispe

Lisbeth Quispe is a coffee producer operating in the Sandia Valley, located in the Puno region of southern Peru. This area is recognized within the specialty coffee industry as a region of significant potential, yet it remains one of the most challenging environments for coffee production due to its remote geography and the logistical complexities involved in transporting harvests to export ports. Quispe’s work represents a focused effort to bring high-quality, traceable coffee from this isolated valley to the global specialty market.

Quispe manages her production at the Yanacocha farm, situated at an elevation of approximately 1,950 meters above sea level. The high altitude of the Sandia Valley is a critical factor in the development of the coffee cherries, contributing to the distinct sensory profiles often associated with this specific microclimate. Her farm is representative of the small-scale, family-oriented production models that define much of the high-quality coffee output in the Peruvian Andes.

In terms of processing, Quispe utilizes a meticulous washed method to highlight the inherent characteristics of her crop. The process begins with hand-picking cherries at their peak ripeness, followed by a 24-hour period of holding the cherries in-cherry. After the cherries are floated to ensure quality, they are de-pulped and subjected to a 36-hour dry fermentation process. The final stage involves drying the coffee on raised beds for approximately 20 days until the moisture content reaches the target level of roughly 10 percent.

Her production is noted for specific varietals, including the SL9 cultivar. The focus on such specific varieties, combined with precise post-harvest processing, allows for the development of complex flavor profiles. Roasters who have featured her coffee have documented tasting notes that include apricot, lychee, and Pink Lady apple, which serve as indicators of the quality achieved through her specific agricultural and processing practices.

For the specialty coffee industry, the inclusion of producers like Lisbeth Quispe in the supply chain is significant because it provides visibility to regions that have historically been difficult to access. Traceability initiatives, which highlight the specific farmer and farm, allow roasters and consumers to understand the origin of their coffee, moving beyond generic regional labels to recognize the individual labor and expertise required to produce specialty-grade lots in remote areas.

Quispe’s presence in the market underscores the ongoing evolution of Peruvian coffee, where smallholders are increasingly recognized for their ability to produce high-scoring, distinct coffees despite the lack of robust infrastructure. Her work serves as a case study for the importance of direct relationships and the value of identifying and supporting producers in challenging, high-altitude environments that offer unique sensory experiences for the end consumer.