The Best of Panama 2026 auction, held on 28 September in Panama City, drew close to 25,000 bids and total sales of more than US$3 million. The annual event offers the country's highest-scoring coffee lots, and the Geisha variety has topped its rankings for years.
The priciest lot was Elida Geisha Torre from Lamastus Family Estates, scored at 96.25 points, which sold for US$18,004 per kilogram — more than US$270,000 for a lot of just 15 kg. Runner-up Lérida Waterfall Gesha Natural from Finca Lérida (95.63 points) reached US$13,505 per kilogram, while in the varietals category a Laurina lot from Hacienda La Esmeralda fetched US$4,216 per kilogram.
Auctions like this show how much buyers will pay for rare lots with a clear provenance — a trend that is just as visible among collectible speciality teas.
Source: Perfect Daily Grind