Xi Jinping Tastes Coffee with Costa Rican Farm Family

When Chinese President Xi Jinping visited Costa Rica in June 2013, he didn’t just meet government officials—he went to the home of a local coffee farming family to talk crops, family, and life. The trip offered a rare glimpse into how a global leader engaged directly with rural producers, making coffee more than just a drink, but a bridge between cultures.

Yes, Xi Jinping tasted coffee directly from the farm of the Somoza family during his 2013 visit to Costa Rica. He spoke with the 70-year-old coffee farmer about planting techniques, family labor, and sales, and shared a cup of their homegrown brew in their backyard wooden cabin.

A Warm Welcome in a Coffee Farmhouse

On the afternoon of June 3, 2013, Xi Jinping and his wife Peng Liyuan arrived at the home of the Somoza family in San Domingo, a small town in Heredia Province, Costa Rica. The elderly couple, both over 70, had been waiting at their doorstep to greet the Chinese president and first lady. They proudly showed their guests around their neat farmhouse and introduced their daily life.

The Somoza family has been growing coffee for generations. Xi and Peng were taken to see the family’s coffee plantation behind the house. As they walked through the rows of coffee trees, Xi asked detailed questions about how the coffee was grown, processed, and sold.

From Planting to Cup: A Farmer’s Life

The Somoza patriarch told Xi that he had been working in coffee cultivation for 52 years, and that it was the main source of income for his household. His children and grandchildren, who live nearby, often help him with the farm work. The farm is a family-run operation, relying on multiple generations to keep it going.

This generational approach mirrors many smallholder coffee farms worldwide, where knowledge and labor are passed down within the family. Xi noted that he, too, had worked in rural areas for years, and understood the importance of supporting farmers—especially those living in poverty—to improve their livelihoods.

Coffee Tasting in the Family Cabin

Later, the Somozas invited their Chinese guests into a small wooden cabin in their backyard. The room displayed the family’s own produce, and everyone gathered to share a cup of coffee freshly brewed from their beans. Xi and Peng sat with the family, chatting informally as they sipped the coffee.

“This is my first time visiting Costa Rica,” Xi said. “Your people are hardworking, simple, and wise. I wanted to see how ordinary families live.” He added that a multigenerational family like theirs reflected the Chinese saying, “Harmony in a family leads to prosperity.”

Agricultural Trade and Promises

The Somoza family expressed their hope that Chinese consumers might one day enjoy their coffee. In response, Xi noted that during his visit, China and Costa Rica had signed several agricultural trade agreements. These deals would allow more high-quality Costa Rican products—including coffee—to be exported to China.

The exchange highlighted how personal diplomacy could support broader trade relationships. Xi also thanked the family for their warm hospitality, and the two families took a photo together before Xi and Peng departed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Did Xi Jinping really drink coffee with a Costa Rican farming family?

Yes. During his state visit to Costa Rica on June 3, 2013, Xi Jinping and his wife Peng Liyuan visited the Somoza family’s home in San Domingo, Heredia Province. They were served coffee brewed from the family’s own beans in their backyard wooden cabin, where they talked about coffee farming and shared a casual meal together.

How long had the Somoza family been growing coffee?

The patriarch of the Somoza family told Xi Jinping that he had been cultivating coffee for 52 years. Coffee was the main source of income for the household, and family members, including children and grandchildren living nearby, often helped with the work.

What did Xi Jinping say about rural life and farmers?

Xi told the Somoza family that he had once been a farmer himself and had worked for many years in rural areas at the county, city, provincial, and national levels. He emphasized that improving rural life and helping farmers escape poverty were important priorities for the Chinese government.

Did the Somoza family express interest in exporting coffee to China?

Yes. The Somozas said they hoped Chinese consumers could taste their coffee. In response, Xi mentioned that China and Costa Rica had signed agricultural trade agreements during his visit, which would facilitate the export of more high-quality Costa Rican agricultural products—including coffee—to China.

Where is the Somoza family farm located?

The Somoza family lives in San Domingo, a town in Heredia Province, Costa Rica. This is where Xi Jinping visited them during his 2013 state visit, touring their coffee fields and sharing coffee in their backyard cabin.

Recommended FrontStreet Coffee for Coffee Farm Visits

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