The Producer: Jairo Arcila

Jairo Arcila, a third-generation coffee grower from Quindío, Colombia, began his journey in 1987 with Finca La Esmeralda and his first Caturra lot. Balancing a full-time role as a mill manager with his passion for coffee, he honed his craft for over 40 years until retiring in 2019. His dedication led to the expansion of his holdings by five additional farms and created essential job opportunities during the harvest season.

Family and Coffee Legacy

Working alongside his wife, Luz Helena Salazar, and their two sons, Carlos and Felipe—who are now co-founders of Cofinet and specialists in specialty coffee—Jairo has elevated his coffee production to new heights. With guidance from his sons, he has refined the picking, sorting, and processing techniques across his farms, now producing exotic varieties like Chiroso, Pink Bourbon, Java, Papayo, and Gesha. Beyond coffee, Jairo's farms yield an array of other crops, and his day starts with a hearty breakfast complemented by his own exceptional brew, all while cherishing time with his family.

Farming and Community Impact

Beyond coffee, Jairo’s farms are rich with other crops, including mandarin, orange, plantain, and banana, all of which contribute to the economic vitality of his community. His dedication to quality and sustainability is matched by his commitment to providing jobs during the harvest season, directly impacting the lives of those around him.

Daily Life and Philosophy

Grounded in tradition yet always looking forward, Jairo balances his passion for coffee with a deep love for family, starting each day with a nourishing breakfast and the company of his loved ones.

About the Java Variety

Java is one of my all time favourite coffee varieties, and probably one of the coffee varieties that has the strangest cultivation journey of any variety that I've seen. Originally, Java delineates from an old Ethiopian Landrace called Abyssinia (most likely most closely related to the Typica family). From Ethiopia it was taken to Java (big shock) by the Dutch and mass cultivated in the early 19th century.