Located in Huila, a Colombian region renowned for its high-quality specialty coffee, Los Yarumos Farm has a long-standing coffee tradition. Initially owned by the local residents, it was sold to Lucioano, Yadimir Quinaguas Perez’s father, in 2001. Lucioano continued the farm’s legacy by cultivating traditional coffee varieties. However, in 2012, facing persistent coffee crises and declining production, he decided to sell the farm to his son. Yadimir initially maintained the traditional varieties but soon recognized the need for change due to ongoing low production and fluctuating prices. Seven years ago, he undertook a major transformation by replanting the farm with exotic varieties such as Bourbon Rosado, Bourbon Aji, Caturra, and Catuai. This shift aimed to enhance the farm’s output and transition to specialty coffee production, reflecting a strategic move towards improving quality and profitability.
Yadimir has been deeply immersed in coffee cultivation since he arrived in Hiula about 23 years ago. For the past seven years, he has focused exclusively on producing high-quality coffee, delving into advanced fermentation techniques and the management of exotic coffee varieties. In the early days of his specialty coffee journey, Yadimir encountered significant challenges, often damaging his coffee while experimenting with optimal fermentation processes. However, around five years ago, he began to refine his skills in tasting and understanding the practices that enhance flavor profiles. This pivotal period marked the beginning of his successful journey as a specialty coffee producer. Today, Yadimir has complemented his practical experience with formal studies in fermentation and tasting, which have significantly improved his production techniques and the quality of his coffee.