Guatemela - Finca La Esperanza

Relationship: It is single farm Guatemala season at Boxx. As it is tradition for us, we are working with Primavera Green Coffee when it comes to Guatemala. After both roastery and bar favorites like Francisco Salucio or La Esperanza, this year we are welcoming Francisco Salucio’s coffee from his farm Tzun Witz. We have worked with Primavera Green Coffee since our Istanbul days and when we opened our US roastery the first coffee we purchased was from them as well. Every year we showcase both their Huehuetenango blend Primavera family and at least one single farm coffee. The connections they have and the quality they provide from the region is unmatched and as 2023 SCA Sustainability Award Winner we are proud to work with them.

Country: It is estimated that the arrival of coffee to America took place in the 18th century, making its way to Guatemala by the mid-1700s to be used as an ornamental plant in the Jesuit convent "Compaña de Jesús", located in what is now known as La Antigua Guatemala. Artificial dye was invented in England, and Guatemala suffered a severe blow to its economy, which was based on the exports of indigo and cochineal. Coffee jumped as the crop that could help stabilize the economy again. Anacafé (Asociación Nacional del Café) was established in 1960 as a national coffee association, representing all coffee producers in Guatemala. %44 of Guatemala’s coffee is produced by smallholders, in 8 different regions.

Region: Of the three non-volcanic regions, Huehuetenango is the highest and driest coffee producing region. Thanks to the dry, hot winds that blow into the mountains from Mexico’s Tehuantepec plain, the region is protected from frost, allowing Highland Huehue to be cultivated up to 6,500 feet (2,000 meters). These high altitudes and relatively predictable climate make for exceptional specialty coffee. The extreme remoteness of Huehuetenango virtually requires all producers to process their own coffee. Fortunately, the region has an almost infinite number of rivers and streams, so a mill can be placed almost anywhere.

Source: Mercanta

Farm: Francisco Morales and his wife have been the proud owners of La Esperanza farm in Cipresales for over 40 years and they have achieved a great deal. As for many other producers, the initial years of starting their farm activities were very challenging ones. But thanks to the hard work, dedication and commitment of the family, the farm has grown into a business that provides income for the household and generates a source of employment for many others in the surrounding area.

The name of the farm, which in English translates into “The Hope”, explains well how important coffee production is for them. Francisco is the type of person that never feels done learning new things. His eagerness to hear experiences from others, and try out new things at the farm, wet mill or drying area, makes us feel excited to be working with him.