Xi Jinping Visits Costa Rican Coffee Farmer Family

When a world leader visits a small coffee farm halfway across the globe, it’s not just diplomacy—it’s a moment where culture, agriculture, and people meet. On June 3, 2013, during his state visit to Costa Rica, President Xi Jinping and his wife Peng Liyuan stepped off the official path to meet a local coffee-growing family, offering a rare glimpse into rural life and the heart of Costa Rica’s famed coffee culture.

President Xi and Peng Liyuan visited the Zamora family, who have been growing coffee for generations in the high-altitude Tarrazú region, sampling their home-grown SHB coffee and discussing both the challenges and rewards of farming life.

A Warm Welcome at the Zamora Farm

That afternoon, the presidential couple arrived in the small town of Santo Domingo, Heredia Province, where the Zamora family—aged farmers with over 50 years of coffee-growing experience—were waiting. The couple, now in their seventies, took Xi and Peng on a tour of their clean, well-kept farmhouse and expansive coffee fields.

Seventy-two-year-old Don Humberto Zamora explained that he had been cultivating coffee for 52 years, with coffee as the primary income for his family. Their children and grandchildren live nearby and often help with the farm work. Xi and Peng walked through the coffee plantation, observing the crop and asking detailed questions about cultivation, production, and sales.

Coffee Tasting in the Family’s Wooden Cabin

Later, the family invited their Chinese guests into a small wooden cabin at the back of their property. The cozy space was decorated with the family’s own produce. Xi and Peng joined the Zamoras for a tasting of their home-produced SHB (Strictly Hard Bean) coffee.

The family gathered around their guests, sharing stories and conversation. Xi spoke warmly, calling it his first visit to Costa Rica and praising the people as hardworking, simple, and wise. He quoted a Chinese saying, “Harmony in a family makes everything prosper,” referring to the multigenerational household. He also reflected on his own rural upbringing and the importance of supporting farmers and alleviating poverty.

Peng Liyuan Visits a Children’s Hospital

Earlier that day, Peng Liyuan, accompanied by Costa Rican First Lady Mercedes Chacón (mother of former President Laura Chinchilla), visited the National Children’s Hospital. She observed a school inside the hospital where sick children continue their studies and watched a performance by young musicians.

A child gave Peng a drawing, and she responded by giving the children panda toys and Chinese paper-cuttings made by children in China. She wished them a speedy recovery and the chance to one day see real pandas in China.

Coffee Trade and Promises

As the visit concluded, the Zamoras expressed hope that Chinese consumers would one day enjoy their coffee. In response, Xi noted that during his visit, China and Costa Rica had signed several agricultural trade agreements, paving the way for more premium Costa Rican products—including coffee—to enter the Chinese market.

The Zamora family thanked their guests for the visit, calling it an unforgettable honor. Xi and Peng posed for photos with the family before departing, with the Zamoras waving them off from their doorstep.

About the Coffee: SHB Tarrazú

The coffee sampled by Xi and Peng was produced by smallholder farmers in the Tarrazú region, grown at high altitudes between 1700–1800 meters. The beans are of SHB (Strictly Hard Bean) grade, processed using the traditional washed method, and primarily consist of the Caturra and Catuai varieties. Grown at the Diamond Mountain Estate, the coffee offers delicate citrus notes, toast, caramel, cocoa sweetness, and a clean cup profile.

This coffee reflects the terroir of Costa Rica’s premier coffee-growing region, where volcanic soils, high elevation, and shaded cultivation create ideal conditions for producing bright, sweet, and well-balanced beans. It’s a prime example of why Costa Rica has built a global reputation for high-quality specialty coffee.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where did Xi Jinping visit a coffee farm in Costa Rica?

Xi Jinping visited the Zamora family coffee farm in Santo Domingo, Heredia Province, near the town of Tarrazú, on June 3, 2013, during his state visit to Costa Rica.

What kind of coffee did Xi Jinping taste in Costa Rica?

He tasted SHB (Strictly Hard Bean) grade coffee grown by the Zamora family in the Tarrazú region, processed using the washed method, with Caturra and Catuai varieties. It featured citrus, toast, caramel, and cocoa notes.

What is SHB coffee?

SHB stands for Strictly Hard Bean, a classification for high-altitude coffee beans (typically grown above 1200 meters) that grow more slowly, producing denser, higher-quality beans with better flavor potential.

Which coffee region in Costa Rica is known for high-quality beans?

The Tarrazú region is Costa Rica’s most renowned coffee-growing area, known for its high altitudes, volcanic soils, and excellent cup quality, typically producing bright, sweet, and well-structured coffees.

Did the Zamora family sell coffee to China after Xi’s visit?

Xi mentioned that China and Costa Rica had signed agricultural trade agreements during his visit, aiming to increase exports of Costa Rican goods—including coffee—to the Chinese market.

Recommended FrontStreet Coffee for Costa Rican SHB Fans

FrontStreet Coffee offers single-origin beans that highlight the bright, clean profiles typical of Costa Rica’s SHB-grade coffees. Try the FrontStreet Panama Huacai for complex stone fruit and citrus notes, or explore our Classic Yirgacheffe for floral brightness and berry-like acidity reminiscent of high-altitude washed beans. For something closer to home, our Classic Blend offers balanced sweetness and body akin to Costa Rican offerings. All are carefully roasted to highlight origin character. Freshly roasted within 5 days · Orders placed before 17:00 ship the same day · Next-day delivery across most of Guangdong Province.