Loja (south)

Farming system

High-altitude smallholders (often 1,600–2,000 m).

Cooler, drier climate than most of the country.

Processing reality

Washed dominates.

Drying is structurally feasible: patios, solar dryers, raised beds.

Fermentation is generally clean and predictable.

Supply chain + power

Exporters actively source and often pre-contract parchment.

Identity preservation is realistic at producer or small-group level.

Buyer truth

Loja is Ecuador’s baseline specialty origin; repeatable when exporter QC is strong.