
The Instituto Salvadoreño del Café (ISC) and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs celebrated National Pacamara Day, a celebration dedicated to honoring one of El Salvador’s most emblematic coffee varieties and a benchmark of quality in specialty coffee farming.
The celebration highlighted the cultural, historical, and economic value of salvadoran coffee, promoted the recognition of Pacamara as a symbol of national identity and international excellence, and sought to strengthen its position in strategic markets, encourage domestic consumption of specialty coffee, and highlight the efforts of producers, roasters, and baristas who contribute to its prestige.


During the event, an introduction to the Pacamara variety was given, followed by a tasting that highlighted its sensory qualities and its relevance within the coffee sector.
Pacamara coffee originated in the 1950s from a cross between Pacas—a natural mutation of Bourbon discovered in El Salvador—and Maragogipe, known for its large beans. This combination resulted in a plant that retains the adaptability and productivity of Pacas with the distinctive sensory attributes of Maragogipe.


Since then, this variety has established itself as a high-value coffee, excelling in international competitions such as the Cup of Excellence, where it has achieved scores between 90.00 and 93.52. It has also received the “Presidential Coffee” designation on multiple occasions, positioning El Salvador as a key country in the production of specialty coffees.
The variety is distinguished by its large bean size and a complex and sophisticated cup profile. Its main characteristics include intense notes of chocolate and cocoa; Fruity nuances, such as red berries and apricot, floral and spicy touches, bright and balanced acidity, and a creamy, enveloping body. These qualities make it a highly prized coffee in the specialty market and at international auctions.


The celebration of National Pacamara Day reinforced El Salvador’s commitment to promoting its flagship coffee globally. Through this event, the aim is to engage diplomatic representatives, trade attachés, and strategic partners in the coffee industry, fostering new opportunities for positioning in international markets.
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