Story of the Coffee
Coffee is the most important commercial crop in Chiapas, with a long-standing history and a vital source of income for smallholder farmers. Over the years, producers in this region have significantly improved their processing methods, resulting in high-quality coffee with a sweet citrus acidity and notes of cherry, apple, and brown sugar (reminds you a bit of our own flavor description, doesn’t it?). Chiapas is a tropical region marked by drastic weather variations, largely due to the diverse elevation. Thanks to the region’s rich volcanic soil, over half of the population is employed in agriculture — growing coffee, cacao, sugarcane, mangoes, and bananas.
Coffee is grown under the shade of various native trees, providing an excellent example of sustainable farming. For the specialty coffee market, only the ripest cherries are selected. After depulping, the coffee is fermented for 12–17 hours, then washed and sun-dried on small drying patios next to the farmers’ homes. Producers of this coffee take special pride in delivering an impeccably “clean” cup — they meticulously remove dried cherry husks or other residue before delivery. This coffee is considered not only one of the finest in Chiapas, but possibly in all of Mexico — which is why we’re proud to offer it in our espresso lineup.
About the Region
Chiapas, a southern state of Mexico, is a true mosaic of culture, history, and natural diversity, where coffee-growing traditions are just one of the region’s many vibrant facets. Nestled in the Sierra Madre de Chiapas mountain range, this area is home to tropical forests, cascading multi-level waterfalls, ancient Mayan ruins, and modern (read: sustainable) coffee farming.
In Chiapas, 44% of the population are Indigenous — primarily Maya, Tsotsil, and Tzeltal peoples. These living cultures have preserved their traditions for centuries: music, dance, craftsmanship, and carefully crafted traditional clothing are still part of daily life. Men wear short pants with a red cotton belt, a knee-length shirt, traditional leather sandals, and hats adorned with ribbons. Women wear red skirts, short huipil blouses, and wide shawls, used both to carry infants and transport daily goods.
Our partner Covoya has been a meaningful supporter of local coffee growers for over 15 years, actively empowering communities and their development. This collaboration has become a model of sustainable agriculture and thoughtful supply chains — bringing more value, agency, and income to small-scale farmers in the region.
