Attributes That Determine the Value of Specialty Coffee in Central America

In international markets, not all coffees are valued equally. Some achieve extraordinary prices at specialized auctions, while others are marketed as standard products. Understanding the factors that determine this value is key for producers, exporters, and consumers. In this context, Eng. Leopoldo Dimas, a graduate of the Agribusiness program at Zamorano, together with Marvin Cálix, E.M.A., Zamorano faculty member, and Dr. Luis Sandoval from Texas Tech University, conducted a study to analyze how specialty coffee prices are structured in Central America.

 

The study examines data from the international Cup of Excellence® auction between 2016 and 2024, using econometric models to identify the coffee attributes with the greatest explanatory power over auction price. Among the factors analyzed are the sensory quality of the coffee (evaluated through cupping), bean variety, country of origin, and production processes. The results show that attributes such as quality score and certain specific varieties have a significant impact on the final value of the coffee, demonstrating how the market rewards differentiated characteristics.

 

These findings help guide production and commercial decisions within the coffee sector toward attributes that generate greater value. By better understanding what international buyers are looking for, producers can improve their competitiveness and gain access to premium markets. This type of research demonstrates how the application of data analytics is a strategic tool for strengthening the coffee value chain and opening new agribusiness opportunities for the region.