Panama brews world's biggest cup of coffee

PANAMA CITY: Panama's top coffee producer said it believes it has set a new record for the world's biggest cup of coffee, after brewing 2,840 litres in a giant mug on Sunday.   

Producer Cafe Duran used 300 pounds (136 kgs) of arabica coffee to brew a cup measuring 2.75 metres by 1.6 metres over four hours.   

"We are really thrilled with this, Panama has done it!"   

Ricardo Duran, director-owner of the company, said to loud applause, fireworks and live tropical music.   

The company will submit its record-breaking attempt to officials at Guinness World Records this month. The previous Guinness record was held by the United States for brewing 2,500 litres in New York in 1994.   

The initiative aims to draw attention to Panama's small but growing gourmet, estate-grown coffee industry, organizers said.   

"And the coffee's actually damn tasty," said Irma Castillo, a Panama City resident sipping the hot drink as it was given away after the record attempt.