Shop La Parcelita in Los Angeles, CA

Alvarado Andrés Roldán owns a 12-hectare farm called La Parcelita, where he cultivates several coffee varieties, including Castillo, Caturra, and Pink Bourbon. He takes great care to ensure each variety is harvested at peak ripeness—such as waiting for Castillo cherries to reach a rich purple hue. Alvarado has earned legendary status among smallholder farmers, having won the Best Cup competition multiple times. In November, we had the privilege of spending meaningful time with him during the Subastapor La Paz (Auction for Peace). When we first visited his farm in 2019, Alvarado showcased his mastery of both coffee cultivation and processing. The plants in the photo are used to produce Colombia’s famous white jute bags. During that visit, a sudden downpour highlighted the immense challenges farmers in the region face. What stands out most about Alvarado is his positive attitude and infectious smile. We love working with him not only for his commitment to excellence in coffee production but also for the balance of joy, warmth, and determination he brings to everything he does.