20 kg of Coffee Sold for $600,000: Gesha’s Journey Sets a Global Record
The specialty coffee world witnessed history at the 2025 Best of Panama electronic auction, where a washed Gesha (Geisha) coffee from Hacienda La Esmeralda in Boquete, Panama, fetched a record-breaking US $30,204 per kilogram. The 20-kilogram lot, scoring an unprecedented 98.00 points from 22 international cupping judges, was purchased by Julith Coffee & Roastery in Dubai for a total of US $604,080.
The Best of Panama is recognized as the most prestigious auction in the coffee industry, drawing elite buyers from around the world. This year’s event featured 50 lots—20 washed Gesha, 20 natural Gesha, and 10 varietals—with 30 lots surpassing US $1,000 per kilogram. The auction’s average price reached US $2,861.20 per kilogram, nearly doubling last year’s figure of US $1,383.72. Over a 12-hour bidding period, a record 18,988 bids were placed, setting a new benchmark for participation and price performance.
Rachel Peterson, co-owner of Hacienda La Esmeralda, expressed deep gratitude for the achievement, noting that the result reflects years of dedication, teamwork, and the shared pursuit of excellence. David Paparelli, CEO of M-Cultivo, which organized the auction, emphasized that the sale further cements Panama’s reputation as a global leader in ultra-premium coffee and opens doors for producers across the country.
For Julith Coffee, the acquisition marks a major milestone. Located in Al Quoz, Dubai, the roastery has quickly gained attention in the UAE’s specialty coffee scene. Head coffee roaster and Turkish Barista Champion Serkan Sagsoz described the purchase as “a true honour and a piece of history,” adding that the coffee will be roasted in extremely limited quantities and offered through exclusive tastings and curated experiences for coffee lovers.
The sale not only showcases Panama’s ability to produce some of the world’s most sought-after coffees but also highlights Dubai’s growing influence as a hub for specialty coffee culture. With this record-breaking acquisition, Julith Coffee has secured its place in coffee history, bringing one of the rarest and highest-scoring coffees ever auctioned to the UAE.
