Costa Rica has long been considered a coffee paradise — a country with volcanic soil, mist-covered mountain slopes, and diverse microclimates that produce some of the finest coffee beans in the world. But beyond the citrus, chocolate, and honey notes that define the country’s famous specialty coffee, there’s another story: one about women who are changing the game.

At the center of this movement is Marcela Porras, a coffee expert and co-founder of Roblesabana Coffee. For over 20 years, she has lived and breathed coffee — from her beginnings at the Costa Rican Coffee Institute to the creation of her own brand, built on transparency and shared well-being.

“We believe there’s a market we can share:
there’s enough for everyone, and each of us brings our own unique strengths.”
— Marcela

Roblesabana is a brand, but also a platform — one that connects women coffee producers directly with consumers and advocates for traceability and fair trade. Each bag tells a story: where the coffee was grown, at what altitude, how it was processed, and most importantly, who produced it.

All of Roblesabana’s coffee varieties are 100% produced by women in Costa Rica, and they meet the strict standards of the Specialty Coffee Association (SCA), with scores of 83 points or higher. These are coffees with character and conscience — perfectly roasted, never blended, and delivered straight from the farm to the cup.

“We don’t see coffee as a commodity,” explains Marcela.
“We see it as an opportunity to build community, restore balance, and recognize the women who have always been part of the agricultural soul of this country.”

With partner farms in Naranjo, Tarrazú, Alajuela, and Poás — all led by women — Roblesabana pursues a vision of coffee grounded in knowledge, tradition, and collective empowerment. Many of these producers have inherited both the land and the know-how passed down through generations. Now, they also make business decisions: defining roast profiles, selecting lots, and participating directly in quality control and cupping.

“In a business world still largely dominated by men,
we want to show that women are not only capable — they are leaders,” says Marcela.

Costa Rica represents only 0.03% of the planet’s landmass, yet it holds nearly 5% of the world’s biodiversity. This richness is reflected both in its coffee and in the vibrant diversity of the people who produce it. Roblesabana’s mission is to make this exceptional coffee accessible, sustainable, and meaningful — for the consumer and for the women behind every cup.

Because in Costa Rica, coffee is not just a drink — it’s a way of life.
And for women like Marcela Porras and her partners in the highlands, it’s also a way to change the world — one perfect cup at a time.