Colombia, Tolima Especial

Tolima is a coffee-producing region with a unique, conflict-ridden past. The Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC) occupied the region until about a decade ago, meaning that no coffee was produced for global consumption for many years. After two peace agreements — the first one led by indigenous groups and farmers, and the second one helped by the Colombian government — coffee growers and their families were able to return to the area and start growing coffee again. Since then, coffee growers in Tolima have worked hard with a focus on quality and innovation, looking for ways to improve the lives of people in the community.

Coffee in Tolima is mainly grown by smallholder producers, including indigenous and Afro-descendant groups. They cultivate varieties like Castillo, Colombia, Typica, Bourbon, and Maracaturra in 38 of Tolima's municipalities. Coffees in this area are recognised for their denomination of origin and their sweet and exotic notes that result from Tolima's mountainous make-up and its various micro-climates.