Latin America is undergoing a historic transformation: roasting coffee at origin to generate value directly in producing countries. From November 20 to 22, 2025, Quito hosted the Transforming Latin America International Roast Championship, an event that brought together top coffee professionals from Colombia, Peru, Ecuador, Mexico, and El Salvador, positioning the region as a global epicenter of innovation, technical knowledge, and talent.

Over three days, more than 35 activities took place focused on roasting, cupping, technology, and sustainability—bringing together producers, roasters, exporters, entrepreneurs, and international experts.

A Platform Accelerating Latin America’s Coffee Growth

The championship was led by COFFEE RELIEF—recognized by Sprudge as “the most sustainable roastery in the world”—alongside Aillio, creator of the most advanced and energy-efficient professional roaster on the market.

Their shared purpose: strengthening producing countries through technology, knowledge, and opportunities, elevating the value of coffee at origin.

The program included: • Global trends for Latin American coffees • Artificial intelligence applied to coffee • 10+ professional cupping sessions • Technology demonstrations • Financial access tools • Official competitions: Future Roaster and Master of Roast

Top Competitors from Colombia and Peru

• Colombia: Participation of the National Roasting Champion Juan José Aristizábal, a key reference in precision roasting. • Peru: Competition entry of Jefer Guzmán, National Roasting Champion and a leader in Peru’s new roasting movement.

Winners

• Master of Roast: Diego Escobar (Quito, Ecuador)



• Future Roaster: Yolanda Zhingre (Loja, Ecuador)



International Judges

• Johanna de Rodríguez – Q Grader, sustainability specialist (El Salvador) • Jonathan Rodríguez – Trainer of champions, roasting expert (El Salvador) • Julian Rivera – Taza de Excelencia judge and Mexican coffee authority and Aillio Ambassador

Their presence ensured technical standards comparable to international-level competitions.

A Regional Innovation Lab

For three days, the championship operated as a live laboratory, analyzing: • Roast profiles • Advanced metrics • Physical behavior of the bean • Energy efficiency • Process control • Traceability • Business models centered on value-add

Socioeconomic indicators presented during the event demonstrated that roasting at origin multiplies the coffee’s value, increases producer income, and positions Latin American countries more competitively in the global market.

A Regional Movement

The championship gathered: • Roasters • Producers • Exporters • Entrepreneurs • National champions • International judges • Specialized media

Coverage was led by El Respectivo, a regional media outlet.

A Regional Alliance Transforming the Industry

The event was supported by Produbanco Grupo Promerica, a regional institution promoting innovation, entrepreneurship, and productive development in Latin America.