Investing in Turnkey International Coffee Farms

[Mark S.]

I recently heard an (non-BP, don't know if I'm allowed to say where) REI podcast where the guest talked about investing in international coffee farms (in Panama). The pitch was basically $15,000 for 0.5 acre parcel on an under-performing commercial coffee farm his group acquired with the expectation of a conservative 13% annual yield. There would be a 3+ year minimum hold and the opportunity to sell later, if desired. His team apparently hires the coffee farmers and provides them a good job, fair wages, health and pension benefits, etc. Often, they simply re-hire existing talent that have already been working on these farms for many years, just under new, better-capitalized management. It sounds great at first glance, but I feel like I might be missing something. Have you ever invested in anything like this? What questions would you have about it? I like that it's turn-key, cash-flowing, and I will not have to deal with tenants. By the way, I like the BP podcasts much better (this one is always a bit "salesy," which is another reason I am skeptical).

[Hector Rodriguez]

Hey @Brandon Turner,

I am part of David's team at International Coffee Farms.

We have wanted to do something with you for about 2 years now and we have submitted 2 or 3 requests in that same time to have David on the show.

We have spoken to your team as well but have yet to receive an invite.

If you would like to have David on the show to elaborate more about the topics brought up by the forum posters in this thread we would be happy to help set it up.

[Ryan Holland]

@Mark S. Have you received any income yet? I'm curious to hear how this has been working out for you.

[Mark S.]

Originally posted by @Ryan Holland:

@Mark S. Have you received any income yet? I'm curious to hear how this has been working out for you.

Too soon to tell.  No income yet, but none is expected on the raw land parcel I purchased until 3-4 years.  Most frustrating part is the deeding process.  Because of this, I believe they’re making changes to future offerings.   

[Ryan Plesz]

Hi Mark S. I was interested in the cocao farm as well as the coffee Panama investment around the same time you were. How have they panned out for you so far? I'm guessing since it's a 3-4 year initial 1st return on investment and you just posted 3 months ago that you may not have returns yet correct? Were there any on going fees once you did the initial purchase? Sorry for all the question, just trying to get a feel for this and they just sent me an offer to check out the Panama Coffee farm. For me I think Belize is a safer place with a more stable government than Panama....but I have not done a whole lot of research. Is there a longevity of the farm's output....say 40 years on a tree...I'm guessing they can always replant to keep production up. Thanks for any info and hope you make some good stable cash flow. 

[Eric Johnson]

I'm one of the investors and invested a few years back in a parcel. There's no report on what happened to the farms over the past years. You only get weekly (sometimes more often) marketing emails of anecdotal stories. No financials, no info specific to the batch of land belonging to your parcel. Darren promised annual owner's report, but that never came. I checked with another investor and it's the same for him. I've tried to reach out to Darren but haven't heard back anything concrete (just more anecdotal stories). I hope it's just really bad investor relationship, but I'm writing off this investment at this point. Buyers beware. 

[Travis Long]

Any new information on the coffee farms?  Has anyone seen any financial return?

EDIT: Edit to add that on the GRE podcast there is a new episode about the coffee farms, posted Jan 09.  Haven’t listened to it yet but will check it out.  I’m still curious if anyone on BP has seen any return on this investment.

[Bill Eisenhauer]

Going into year 8 and no cash flow.  At least it was just one parcel and I chalk it up to a lesson learned.

Still, some high-profile people were and may still be recommending this investment and with those same people.

Anyway, invest in what you know and what's closer by.

[Dev Patel]

I recently was on an investor tour in Bouquette Panama. Am interested to invest in their coffee farms in Panama. Can you please call me at +17073842141. Love to connect and get your feedback