This coffee hails from Asociación Civil Guaya'b, situated in the Huehuetenango region of Guatemala, and proudly holds certifications for being Bird Friendly and Fairtrade Organic. Among its 330 members, 316 are indigenous.
Formally established in 1998, Guaya'b commenced its journey in the Fair Trade market in 2000.
Antonio Carmelo Camposeco, president of Guaya'b, notes, "Since we embraced Fair Trade pricing, we've experienced a notable enhancement in our quality of life. Cooperative members now have the means to provide clothing and medicine for their families, and they benefit from the various new programs initiated by the cooperative using revenue from Fair Trade sales."
The supplementary income generated from Fair Trade prices has empowered Guaya'b farmers to invest back into their community. Consequently, the local economy has become more robust, and the rate of migration has decreased. Utilizing Fair Trade premiums, Guaya'b has implemented projects like medical insurance, low-interest micro-loans, and the cultivation of additional crops.
A small portion of all Smithsonian Migratory Bird Center certified coffees gets donated back to the SMBC to aid in research efforts.
Country: Guatemala
Region: Jacaltenango, Huehuetenango
Roast: Medium
Tasting Notes: Blood orange & honey
Altitude: 1,400-1,650 MASL
Variety: Catuaí, Caturra, Typica, Bourbon
Process: Washed
Certifications: Fair Trade, Organic, SMBC Bird Friendly