Coope Tarrazu

CoopeTarrazu was founded in 1960 in the Tarrazú region of Costa Rica, an area internationally recognised for producing some of the finest speciality coffee in the world. The cooperative began as a small group of farmers committed to improving their livelihoods through collaboration and quality-focused production. Over time, it has grown into one of Costa Rica’s most influential coffee organisations, representing thousands of producers and strengthening the reputation of Tarrazú coffee globally.

The cooperative provides extensive technical assistance to its members, ensuring that coffee farming remains sustainable and profitable. Farmers receive training in soil management, crop diversification, and environmentally responsible practices. This support helps maintain the high standards associated with Costa Rican coffee while empowering local communities to thrive through knowledge-sharing and innovation.

CoopeTarrazu is a leading exporter of Costa Rican coffee, delivering beans to major markets in North America, Europe, and Asia. Every lot is traceable to its origin, guaranteeing authenticity and quality. The cooperative’s focus on regional coffee identity ensures that Tarrazú coffee maintains its distinctive flavour profile, which is highly sought after by roasters and consumers worldwide.

The Tarrazú region benefits from a protected denomination of origin, and CoopeTarrazu plays a vital role in upholding this certification. This designation safeguards the integrity of Tarrazú coffee, ensuring that it meets strict geographic and quality criteria. It reinforces the cooperative’s commitment to preserving the heritage and authenticity of Costa Rican coffee.

Sustainability and innovation are central to CoopeTarrazu’s mission. The cooperative invests in renewable energy, water conservation, and biodiversity protection, while also supporting education and social development within local communities. Research into new processing techniques and technologies allows CoopeTarrazu to continually improve quality and reduce environmental impact, keeping Costa Rican coffee at the forefront of global speciality markets.

Environmental care extends to advanced waste treatment systems that manage by-products from coffee milling. Wastewater is treated to prevent contamination, and organic residues are repurposed as natural fertilisers, creating a circular economy model. These initiatives demonstrate CoopeTarrazu’s leadership in sustainable coffee production and its dedication to protecting the Tarrazú region for future generations.

CoopeTarrazu community coffees have been part of our projects for over 10 years. You can read more about that on our projects page.