In the lush highlands of Costa Rica, near a small village called Naranjo, an unusual coffee farming operation bridges Central America with Eastern Europe. Here, over 200,000 coffee bushes are meticulously cared for, not by local farmers, but by a group of eight to ten Hungarians. This unique agricultural endeavor is connected to a roastery in Szekszárd, a city in western Hungary, illustrating a remarkable tale of global agriculture and personal transformation.
A Bold Transition: Sándor Tóth’s Coffee Adventure
The story centers on Sándor Tóth, a former finance professional turned award-winning barista, who in 2018 decided to take a leap into the world of coffee cultivation. His journey brought him to the coffee-rich terrains of Costa Rica, where he joined forces with Sándor Bányai, a local coffee farming pioneer. Following Bányai’s death, the legacy of his name and passion for coffee lives on through the farm now known as the Bányai coffee estate.
Cultivating Quality: The Rigors of Coffee Farming
The Bányai estate spans three different locations, boasting a diverse array of 35 terroirs. Among the sprawling fields, 13,000 new shrubs were planted last year alone, contributing to the farm’s extensive variety of Arabica coffee plants. These plants are known for their high-quality beans but require considerable care. They grow relatively low to the ground, forcing harvesters to work in challenging conditions, bent over in the humid, tropical climate.
The farm operates with minimal local staff—only three employees—who manage the day-to-day upkeep of the coffee bushes six days a week, earning a modest USD 3 per day. Their efforts are supplemented periodically by friends and visitors from Hungary, who come to assist at the St. Anna estate, adding a communal element to the farm’s operations.
A Family Affair: Next Generation of Coffee Experts
The narrative of the Bányai farm is also a family story. Tóth’s son, Mark, has been a fixture in the barista competition circuit since he was nine years old. Today, he plays a crucial role in the estate’s success, overseeing the drying processes and managing the complex import-export activities that ensure the Bányai coffee reaches consumers around the world.
Scientific Approach to Specialty Coffee
The farm’s commitment to quality is further enhanced by a scientific team led by engineer Péter Cserta and supported by a group of biologists. Their research and expertise underpin the Bányai Specialty Coffee Concept, aiming to produce some of the finest coffee available on the market. This team’s efforts are vital in maintaining the delicate balance required to cultivate exceptional coffee in an eco-friendly and sustainable manner.
Diverse Offerings: A Rich Coffee Portfolio
The Bányai estate is not just about quantity; its portfolio includes a variety of well-known coffee types as well as several specialty offerings. These products showcase the rich biodiversity of the Costa Rican highlands and reflect the meticulous care and innovative techniques employed on the farm.
Blending Tradition and Innovation
This Hungarian-run coffee farm in Costa Rica is more than just an agricultural venture; it is a testament to the power of passion and the possibilities that emerge when one dares to step out of comfort zones. Sándor Tóth’s journey from the financial sector to the forefront of international coffee production embodies a bold reimagining of personal and professional life, demonstrating that with enough dedication, one can cultivate success in the most unexpected places.
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