Friends of Tolima

Learn more about this coffee.

Friends of Tolima brings together the work of 50 small producers from the localities of San Juan de la China, Anzoátegui and Santa Isabel, in one of Colombia’s most emblematic coffee regions. 

Grown between 1,400 and 2,000 metres above sea level, this coffee reflects the diversity and character of Tolima, an area defined by imposing mountains, deep agricultural traditions and a strong cultural identity.

Castillo and Caturra varieties are hand-picked and processed using the washed method, aiming for balance, clarity and consistency in the cup.

The result is a classic and comforting profile, with notes of Pink Lady apple, chocolate and hazelnut.

Behind this lot is Cafisur, a cooperative founded in 1966 that supports thousands of producers through training, technical assistance and access to resources, strengthening coffee as a driver of local development.

Meet the producer

Friends of Tolima: the coffee that brings together 50 producers in the heart of Colombia

Colombia is one of the world’s largest producers of Arabica coffee and, over time, the country has become synonymous with quality. Throughout the years, Colombia has successfully combined tradition and innovation within its coffee industry, developing new varieties and processing techniques while continuing to produce the classic, balanced profiles that coffee drinkers around the world love.

Most Colombian coffee is grown on small family farms spread across the country’s many producing regions. These farmers have dedicated generations of their lives to cultivating coffee in rural landscapes often shaped by social and economic challenges. For decades, many of these areas experienced low-intensity conflict between paramilitary groups, guerrilla movements and the government. However, the peace agreement signed in 2016 marked an important step towards reconciliation and stability, allowing many coffee-growing communities to look to the future with renewed optimism.

IIt is within this context that Friends of Tolima was created — a coffee that brings together the work of 50 small producers from three towns in the Tolima department: San Juan de la China, Anzoátegui and Santa Isabel. These communities, surrounded by dramatic mountain landscapes and lush nature, are part of one of Colombia’s most emblematic coffee-growing regions.

Tolima is located in west-central Colombia and borders well-known coffee departments such as Huila and Cundinamarca. Historically, the region was home to several indigenous cultures, and today a small indigenous population still lives there, preserving elements of their traditions. Beyond coffee, Tolima is also renowned for its music, strong cultural identity and distinctive cuisine.

The mountainous landscape of the region plays a crucial role in the quality of its coffees. The farms contributing to this lot are located between 1,400 and 2,000 metres above sea level, an ideal altitude range for Arabica coffee cultivation. Mild temperatures, fertile soils and the influence of the mountains create the perfect conditions for coffee to ripen slowly, allowing it to develop greater complexity and balance in the cup.

This lot features two varieties that are widely grown in Colombia: Castillo and Caturra. Both are valued for their adaptability to local conditions and their ability to produce balanced, approachable cup profiles. After harvesting, the coffee cherries are hand-picked to ensure that only the ripest fruit is selected. The coffee is then processed using the washed method, a traditional technique that highlights clarity, structure and cleanliness in the final cup.

The result is a classic and comforting coffee profile, perfect for those who appreciate balance and elegance. In the cup, you can expect sweet and fruity notes reminiscent of Pink Lady apple, supported by a chocolate base and a gentle hazelnut finish that adds warmth and roundness.

Behind this lot is also a key organisation supporting producers in the region: Cafisur, a cooperative founded in 1966 that now represents more than 4,000 coffee growers. Its role goes far beyond simply marketing coffee. Cafisur provides agronomic assistance, training programmes and educational opportunities for coffee-growing families, while also facilitating access to credit for farm improvements and agricultural inputs.

Thanks to initiatives like this, many small producers are able to continue cultivating high-quality coffee while strengthening the long-term sustainability of their communities. Friends of Tolima is ultimately a reflection of this collective effort — a coffee that speaks of place, cooperation and the dedication of dozens of families who continue to sustain one of Colombia’s most important traditions.