Carlos Castañeda, beloved for his portrayal of Juan Valdez, the face of Colombian coffee, has died at 58 following heart surgery. Castañeda, a fourth-generation coffee farmer, held the role for 20 years, succeeding Carlos Sánchez. His death was announced by the Colombian National Coffee Federation (FNC), which highlighted his significant contributions to representing Colombian coffee growers and promoting the country's coffee industry globally. As Juan Valdez, Castañeda was a symbol of pride for Colombia, often appearing with his mule, Conchita, to personify the authenticity and heritage of Colombian coffee. His presence at international events and his warm, engaging personality made him a beloved figure worldwide.
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