We spend a lot of time planning our coffee purchases, defining the criteria of what we need and scrutinising our options; it’s the most important aspect of what we do. But every now and then a coffee will present itself to us, out of nowhere, and beg to be bought. This bright & juicy washed lot from a promising young producer did just that when we stumbled upon it.

Guatemala is renowned for its exceptional coffee quality. Coffee production and export has always been an important part of Guatemalan economy and culture, with the country being the eighth largest exporter of coffee in the world.

Viewing Los Arcos from across the valley is a sight to behold and could easily be mistaken for a forest, with Gravilea trees swaying in the breeze, their fern-like leaves providing dappled shade to the coffee below. These silky oak trees help to retain moisture in the soil and their shade cover keeps the coffee cool, ensuring a long maturation and better tasting coffee.

Juan tends to the farm with his wife Gloria Ramos, both learning from their parents how to sow seeds and manage a coffee farm, eventually buying their own land and starting their farm - Wiwitz. It is a promising sign that Juan and Gloria made the decision to buy land and cultivate coffee, in a time when many young people are leaving rural areas across central America to pursue careers in bigger cities where employment and earnings are higher. There is a very real risk to coffee production if the trend of migration out of rural areas continues, supporting young producers in the early stages of their farming is vital if we are to stem this loss of talent.

The distribution of shade trees aids in recreating a conducive microclimate for the coffee plants, reducing the stress caused by excessive sunlight. This proactive approach not only ensures a steadier yield but also contributes to the overall longevity of coffee farming in the region.