Picture this: three cardiac operations in the middle of a coffee crisis, the death of his best friend and brother, and a small plantation in the middle of one of the best well known Cantones, unique for its coffee quality, Buenos Aires. The winner of the first place in this COE edition has more than a lucky location, and is proof that with passion and sacrifice anyone can achieve what they dream for.

The life of Roberto Pérez, nicknamed “Lito”, has been linked to the coffee culture since he was born, literally right in the middle of the farm located in Buenos Aires. “San Roberto” was owned by his grandfather Juan Antonio Pérez since 1918, and was inherited by his daughter in 1958. When Lito and his brother Juan were only 6 and 7 years old, their mother and grandfather passed away. Their uncle, Victor Manuel Pérez, was their legal representative of the farm until they both became adults. At this time, Lito and his brother inherited the “San Roberto” farm, and purchased other parcels of land to complete the 8.4 hectares of the farm.

The obstacles had just begun. During the civil war in the 1980´s, Lito and Juan experienced their first business crisis, no working force for the farm. The intensity of the laborers in the plantation decreased, and they each found themselves pruning and fertilizating the fields with little help from other workers.

After the civil war, the crisis on the “C” contract hit the farmers. The Pérez brothers were in financial trouble with the banks, plus Lito had to have three surgeries for a cardiac problem.

Once again, with their hands and strength, they contributed to the plantation and tried to keep pruning and controlling pests and shade, at a time without enough money for even fertililizer. As they started to recover, Juan, the oldest, died during an earthquake in 2001, and again Lito was left to push to refinance their debts.

With the determination and faith in god, the love and support of his wife Maria Elena, and his children, Luis Rafael, Maria Isabel and Alicia Elena, Lito did not sell “San Roberto” and kept maintaining it with sacrifice. At this time, Lito went to Rio Zarco mill and was educated and qualified to enter in to the Cup of Excellence contest.

He stepped into a competition for the first time in his life, and won not only first place, but also the Cup of Excellence award for the exemplary quality of his coffee. You may think he was lucky, but for those of us who cover his story, we are convinced that destiny gave back to him a piece of what he deserved.

Other Characteristics:
Agricultural practices: traditional
Rain fall: 2,000-2,500 ml per year
Average temperature: 64.4 Fahrenheit
Shade: Pepeto Peludo, Ingas
Name of the miller: Rio Zarco
Average age of the trees: 35 -40 years
Picking season: during the second week of January and first week of March.