NCA Distinguished Leadership Award
Nominations for the 2027 award cycle will open in September. Sign up to be notified when nominations open.
2026 Distinguished Leadership Award Recipient
The Late Pedro Lázaro Gaviña
Co-Founder, Gaviña Coffee Company
Pedro L. Gaviña was a third-generation coffee roaster, co-founder of F. Gaviña & Sons, Inc., known today as Gaviña Coffee Company, and a leading expert in the coffee industry. Born in Cuba into a coffee family with a legacy spanning over 150 years, he worked alongside his parents and siblings to build the family’s coffee roasting business in Los Angeles and achieve the American dream.
Mr. Gaviña began his career roasting and packaging coffee and later served as the company’s president, overseeing daily manufacturing and operations and becoming deeply involved in green coffee buying, sourcing, and quality. Known as a visionary and perfectionist, he helped shape the company’s long-term direction and played a pivotal role in building it into one of the nation’s largest minority-owned and operated coffee roasters. He remained an engaged board member, guiding, advising, and mentoring the fourth-generation leadership.
Mr. Gaviña also served as a former board member of the National Coffee Association and the Pacific Coast Coffee Association. He is remembered as a devoted husband, father, grandfather, uncle, mentor, and friend, admired for his integrity, generosity, and unwavering belief that one should always strive to be the best at whatever they do.
Michael Gaviña commented:
“My father dedicated his life to advancing the coffee industry and building a company grounded in quality, integrity, and respect for people. We are deeply honored that the NCA is recognizing his leadership, lasting contributions, and service to the association and our industry.”