A Small Country with a Global Reputation

Nestled between the Pacific Ocean and the Caribbean Sea, Panama has quietly become one of the most celebrated origins in the world of specialty coffee. Though it produces only a small fraction of global coffee, the country’s focus on quality, innovation, and craftsmanship has earned it an unmatched reputation among coffee connoisseurs.

At the heart of Panama’s coffee story is its commitment to precision and passion. Unlike mass-producing nations, Panama’s coffee farms are small, family-run estates that prioritise sustainable methods and selective harvesting. These farms often sit high in the Chiriquí Highlands, where rich volcanic soil, clean mountain air, and natural spring water create ideal growing conditions. The result is a collection of coffees that are aromatic, complex, and deeply expressive of their terroir.

Boquete – The Beating Heart of Panamanian Coffee

The region of Boquete, perched along the slopes of Volcán Barú, is known as the epicentre of Panama’s coffee culture. Here, generations of farmers treat coffee cultivation as an art form. Festivals celebrate the annual harvest, and coffee tasting — or cata de café — is held in the same esteem as fine wine appreciation.

Boquete’s microclimates allow growers to experiment and refine their methods, producing coffees with striking clarity and balance. This dedication to excellence is what makes Panamanian coffee so consistently exceptional.

Innovation in Every Bean

Panama’s reputation for excellence has also been shaped by its spirit of innovation. Producers here experiment with new fermentation and drying methods — such as anaerobic fermentation, honey processing, and natural methods — to unlock vibrant, fruit-forward flavours. These pioneering techniques have made Panama synonymous with bright, tropical, and floral coffees that push the boundaries of what’s possible in a cup.

The Legacy of the Geisha Variety

Among Panama’s greatest contributions to the coffee world is the Geisha (or Gesha) variety. Originally from Ethiopia, Geisha found its perfect home in Panama’s highlands. With tasting notes of jasmine, bergamot, and stone fruit, it has become one of the most sought-after coffees globally, often commanding record-breaking prices at international auctions.

This variety embodies Panama’s dual strength — its respect for tradition and its willingness to innovate — producing some of the most complex and memorable coffees in the world.

Community, Craft, and Sustainability

Beyond its international acclaim, coffee in Panama remains deeply rooted in community and heritage. Local farmers work closely with cooperatives and exporters to maintain ethical and sustainable practices. Many farms are shade-grown, preserving biodiversity and protecting the surrounding ecosystem. Coffee is also a social experience — a daily ritual that brings people together in homes and cafés across the country.

Every cup of Panamanian coffee tells a story: of volcanic soil, family tradition, and tireless dedication to perfection. Whether enjoyed as a silky smooth Panama La Gloria or a rare Geisha, Panamanian coffee represents a meeting point between heritage and innovation, delivering an experience that’s both timeless and extraordinary

We’re thrilled to share that Farrer’s teas are once again being proudly represented in Japan at the Hankyu British Fair 2025, one of the country’s most beloved cultural events celebrating all things British. This year, our exquisite blends are being showcased by our friends at Tea Pastries, the charming café based within Rosa & Berry, as part of their beautiful British-themed presentation.

A Taste of Britain in Japan

Now in its 50th year, the Hankyu British Fair is a long-running celebration of British culture, tradition, and craftsmanship. Held annually at the Hankyu Umeda Main Store in Osaka, the fair attracts an incredible half a million visitors each year — eager to experience the best of Britain, from artisan foods and fine teas to fashion, homeware, and heritage brands.

This year’s event runs from October 15th to October 20th, 2025, and promises to be another spectacular showcase of British quality, flavour, and creativity. We’re honoured to be part of it once again — and delighted to have Tea Pastries at Rosa & Berry representing Farrer’s with such style and passion.

Tea Pastries at Rosa & Berry: A Perfect Partnership

For those who haven’t yet discovered them, Tea Pastries is a delightful café based within Rosa & Berry, a charming British-style attraction that celebrates English gardening, afternoon tea culture, and artisanal craftsmanship. Known for their beautifully presented pastries, cakes, and expertly brewed tea, Tea Pastries perfectly captures the spirit of British indulgence — making them a wonderful ambassador for Farrer’s in Japan.

Their dedication to presentation and authenticity shines through not only in the way they serve tea but also in how they represent us online. The Tea Pastries Instagram page has been sharing stunning imagery and posts featuring Farrer’s teas — capturing the warmth, elegance, and timeless charm that define both our blends and the British tea experience.

We couldn’t ask for better representation abroad. Their creativity and care truly reflect what makes Farrer’s special: heritage, craftsmanship, and the joy of sharing tea moments that bring people together.

A Celebration of Flavour: Farrer’s Teas at the Hankyu British Fair

This year, visitors to the Hankyu British Fair will be able to experience a handpicked selection of our most beloved blends, each representing a piece of Farrer’s long tea history — from our beginnings in the Lake District in 1819 to our continued pursuit of exceptional flavour today.

The collection includes:

• Lakeland Special Teabags & Loose Leaf Caddy – Our signature house blend, rich and comforting, crafted to reflect the landscape and character of the English Lake District.

• 200th Anniversary Blend – Created to celebrate two centuries of Farrer’s tea heritage; smooth, well-rounded, and full of classic British charm.

• Coronation Blend – A regal black tea with elegant floral notes, inspired by Britain’s royal celebrations and time-honoured traditions.

• Queen Elizabeth Blend – A refined, delicately fragrant tea paying tribute to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, blending grace and strength in every cup.

• English Garden Blend – Light, floral, and evocative of blooming summer gardens — a tea that captures the beauty of an English afternoon.

• Earl Grey Blue Flower – A timeless favourite; bold yet elegant, with aromatic bergamot and vibrant blue cornflower petals for a beautifully balanced brew.

Each of these teas tells its own story of British heritage and craftsmanship, brought together under one roof at Hankyu to delight Japanese tea lovers.

Why the Hankyu British Fair Matters

The Hankyu British Fair isn’t just a cultural celebration — it’s also a gateway between Britain and Japan. For decades, it has helped introduce Japanese audiences to authentic British craftsmanship and premium brands, allowing small, heritage producers like Farrer’s to connect with an appreciative international market.

With Japan’s growing love for premium teas and artisanal products, the fair provides a unique opportunity to share the British art of tea drinking with a global audience. From the gentle aroma of a freshly brewed Earl Grey to the comforting depth of a Lakeland Special, our teas offer a taste of tradition that transcends borders.

Click here to learn more about the Hankyu British Fair

Continuing a Tradition of Excellence

We are proud to see our teas featured once again at this remarkable event, especially in partnership with Tea Pastries at Rosa & Berry, who continue to represent Farrer’s with elegance, creativity, and heartfelt passion.

As the fair opens its doors this October, we celebrate not only our blends but also the enduring friendship between Britain and Japan — two nations united by a shared appreciation for craftsmanship, flavour, and the ritual of tea.

Discover more about Farrer’s heritage teas and the timeless flavours being shared with the world at this year’s Hankyu British Fair.

👉 Follow @tea_pastries on Instagram for a glimpse of the event and all the beautiful Farrer’s moments being shared in Osaka!

Pure Energy, Naturally: Discover the Power of Ceremonial Grade Matcha

When it comes to starting the day with calm focus and lasting energy, few drinks can rival matcha. Long before it became a global favourite, this finely ground green tea powder was at the heart of Japanese tea ceremonies — a ritual rooted in mindfulness, respect, and harmony.

At Farrer’s, we honour that tradition with our Ceremonial Grade Matcha — a premium, all-natural green tea that delivers the perfect balance of flavour, energy, and wellbeing. Smooth, vibrant, and deeply restorative, it’s your daily dose of calm, sustained energy in its purest form.

The Purity of Ceremonial Grade Matcha

Not all matcha is created equal. Our ceremonial-grade matcha is made from the finest hand-picked leaves of shade-grown Japanese tea trees. Shading the plants before harvest encourages the leaves to develop higher levels of chlorophyll, giving the tea its intense green colour and boosting its nutrient profile.

After careful harvesting, the leaves are stone-ground into an ultra-fine powder — a process that preserves the delicate sweetness and fresh, grassy aroma that define true ceremonial matcha. The result? A beautifully balanced tea that’s naturally rich in antioxidants, amino acids, and gentle, clean energy.

Unlike lower-grade varieties, Farrer’s Ceremonial Matcha has no bitterness or harshness — just a mellow, smooth flavour that’s easy to enjoy every day.

A Smoother Energy Boost 

If you’re looking for a healthier, more balanced alternative to coffee, matcha is the perfect choice. While coffee delivers a quick caffeine hit followed by an inevitable crash, matcha’s natural caffeine works differently. It’s released slowly, providing a steady stream of energy that keeps you focused and alert without the jitters.

This is thanks to L-theanine, an amino acid found naturally in green tea. L-theanine promotes relaxation without drowsiness, helping you stay calm, centred, and productive. Together, caffeine and L-theanine create the perfect partnership — boosting your energy while keeping your mind clear and balanced.

A Daily Ritual of Wellness

Beyond its smooth taste and steady energy, matcha offers a host of health benefits. It’s packed with antioxidants, which help protect the body from oxidative stress, support healthy skin, and promote overall wellbeing. Just one serving delivers the nutritional equivalent of multiple cups of regular green tea.

Whether you prefer to whisk it traditionally with hot water or blend it into a latte, smoothie, or baking recipe, Farrer’s Ceremonial Matcha adds a natural boost to your day.

How to Prepare the Perfect Matcha

1. Sift 1 teaspoon of matcha into a bowl or cup to remove any clumps.

2. Add a small amount of hot (not boiling) water — about 70–80°C.

3. Whisk briskly in a zigzag motion until frothy and smooth.

4. Enjoy as is, or add warm milk for a creamy matcha latte.

Pure, Smooth, and Sustainably Energising

At Farrer’s, we believe energy shouldn’t come at the cost of balance. That’s why we sell Blendsmiths Japanese Ceremonial Grade Matcha is 100% natural, vibrant, and beautifully smooth — no bitterness, no crash, just clean, focused energy from morning to night.

Perfect for your daily ritual, it’s more than just a drink — it’s a mindful moment in a cup.