December 24th is, for us (Mia and Ivan), the traditional day to travel to Peru. It has become our way of marking the end of an intense Christmas production season—a small reward after months of hard work. After nearly 20 hours of flying, the fresh spring air of Lima welcomes us. This is what we have been working toward all these months!

Between family visits and tasting coffees and gelatos in Lima—the gastronomic capital of the Americas—it is also time to reconnect with our coffee family spread across Peru: Jaén (Cajamarca), Cusco, and especially El Palomar in Chanchamayo, the home of our beloved Gran Palomar coffee.

This visit to El Palomar was particularly meaningful. Dante Pallardel, the manager of the cooperative, is stepping down after almost 25 years—the same years since the cooperative was founded. While he is passing responsibility into capable hands, it is hard to overstate the role Dante has played in the success of this small cooperative. We have known him for nearly 25 years and have witnessed his courage, persistence, and spirit. Today, more than 100 families in the region depend on coffee production, and Dante’s contribution to their stability has been fundamental.

We were also especially curious to hear firsthand how last year’s coffee prices affected the well-being of producers. We must admit that the roughly 30% increase in coffee prices came as a surprise to us. At one point, we were unsure whether we could commit to purchasing the usual volumes, as we have consistently done since 2003. Somehow, the resources appeared—and we also relied on customers who understood the situation and stood with us.

It was deeply moving to hear a producer explain how the higher prices finally allowed him to pay off a long-standing bank loan, with enough left over to buy a modest second-hand car essential for his work. Melisa Ballarta, daughter of one of the cooperative’s founders, shared her own story: despite losing nearly half of her production to weather conditions and leaf rust, she was able to maintain her usual income thanks to the prices paid! 

Not aware of our Gran Palomar?

Gran Palomar is our organic coffee cultivated in the highlands of the region of El Palomar, in Chanchamayo-Peru. It is more than just a coffee to us — it is where our journey began!

In 2003, during our first visit, we discovered a coffee of remarkable character and beauty. Yet despite its exceptional quality, the farmers were not receiving fair compensation. The middlemen dictated the price, and their work was undervalued.

We felt a responsibility to change that.

What started as a decision to support their dream became the foundation of our own. Since then, every year, we have imported Gran Palomar directly to Finland — building a relationship rooted in trust, respect, and shared growth.

The clean, balanced profile of this coffee resonates perfectly with the Finnish palate. Over the years, Gran Palomar has found its way into countless homes, becoming a trusted and loved choice across the country.

Today, you can find Gran Palomar at selected organic coffee shops, K-markets, Stockmann, our own coffee locations, and in our online shop.began our journey.

Gran Palomar comes in 3 different presentations: light roast, dark roast and espresso.

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