86. He co-founded the Specialty Coffee Association of Panama | Ricardo Koyner, Kotowa Farms

In this episode, we sit down with Ricardo Koyner, the 1st president of the Specialty Coffee Association of Panama upon it's inauguration in 1996 and now the current president in 2026, the year that marks the 30th Anniversary.

Ricardo operates Kotowa, a brand in Panama that extends over many celebrated coffee farms in the region of Chiriqui, such as Las Brujas, Duncan, Don K, Silvia Marina, Rio Crystal and more, as well as a coffee shop brand that runs coast to coast within the Republic of Panama.

This conversation takes us through the past, the outcome and the future of specialty coffee in Panama, sharing stories of trial and tribulation as the road for the coffee industry in this region has never been easy.

At Kotowa Farms, there's a significant amount of research being done in different genetic varieties amongst many different altitude ranges and terroirs. Beyond coffee, they have developments in many other agricultural products, such as cacao, camelia synesis (tea), assortments of fruits, woods and others.

A fascinating conversation for anyone interested in coffee business, coffee production and establishing a foundational business that will outlive any of us individuals.

Forward is a green coffee sourcing and exporting company based in Chiriqui, Panama, working with 20+ producers. Cole is one of 22 International Judges for the Best of Panama and is ready to source your next favourite coffee. Forward is a Panamanian registered business and exporter living and working in Panama 12 months per year: https://www.forward.coffee

This conversation was recorded on March 4th, 2026 in Boquete, Panama

If you'd like to watch a feature film on Kotowa Farms - https://youtu.be/77g2_RRLoLg?si=buLw0IYY8gUG3v5r

If you'd like to listen to Victoria Koyner, Ricardo's daughter and right hand in the business - https://youtu.be/9SO4xNXCyZY?si=o3wg2hd9iSWhv-Zc

Cole lives in Panama full time and curates a selection of top Panama Geisha and Varietals, from the Ricardo and Panamanian producers you see in this video series.

FORWARD COFFEE, since 2019

Forward is a green coffee sourcing and exporting company based in Chiriqui, Panama, working with 20+ producers. Cole is one of 22 International Judges for the Best of Panama and is ready to source your next favourite coffee.

Forward is a Panamanian registered business and exporter living and working in Panama 12 months per year: https://www.forward.coffee

ROSSO COFFEE ROASTERS, since 2007

Anyone can be a specialty coffee drinker, and that means you. Dave and the team at Rosso roasted for the last two World Barista Champions and would love to roast a coffee for you too – try world-class coffee; https://www.rossocoffeeroasters.com

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