Market Lane - Guatemala Calahute Espresso

Origin: Huehuetenango, Guatemala
Variety: Bourbon & Caturra
Process: washed
Producer: Alfonso Anzueto
Relationship length: since 2019

This coffee was grown in the verdant hills of San Pedro Necta in Guatemala’s Huehuetenango region. This area is home to many independent farmers who grow coffee as their main source of income. At 220 hectares, Calahute farm is larger than most properties in the area. It’s owned by the Anzueto family and run by third-generation producer, Alfonso Anzueto.

Since taking over the farm, Alfonso has invested a lot of time and resources into experimentation and quality control, in order to improve his output. He cares deeply about the environment, and makes sure all water used during processing is recycled and treated on-site. Unlike other large-scale farmers in the region, he chooses not to prune his shade trees, recognising the value they bring to the farm’s biodiversity and the health of the coffee plantation.

Alfonso’s dream is to become a leader in quality in the San Pedro Necta area. Judging from the cup quality of his coffees – and his place-win in this year’s Cup of Excellence competition – he’s well on his way to achieving that goal!