Lot 13: El Socorro  Juan Diego De La Cerda Bianchi

Our farm´s history dates from XX century, when Antonio López Colom started working in the farm. It was until 1960 that Mario De La Cerda, and his wife Maria Colom (next in the successor’s line of Colom) bought a big farm composed in three properties: El Socorro, San Guayabá, and Rio Arriba. Bringing back these lands to the original family owners.

His son, Juan De la Cerda Colom began managing the farm. He had always wanted to plant coffee. His father allowed him under one condition: “Never become indebted”. In 1999 Diego de la Cerda (3th generation owner) began to manage the farm and make some changes not only in the production, but also in the coffee processing. Coffee has been grown in this land since 1980. Right now the farm produces many varietals, and exports coffee to more than 25 clients over the world.

The richness and quality of our coffee is what makes us really proud. We have caused plenty of positive impact on surrounding land where people, are aware of our work ethic and love working with us. There are many workers that are constantly looking forward for job openings at our land sight.

We take care about the environment preserving the soil, the water, the forest, and fauna of our region. We are proud of have the biggest forest reserve in the area.

The farm is located at a very high altitude with a plantae microclimes which allows the coffee to have an exceptional quality and taste. Traditionally, coffee plants were grown under shade trees. We have left the native shade trees of the zone, just to maintain the biodiversity intact. That has been one big factor that has improved the quality of our cup.

Over the last 25 years, our milling process has evolved. Instead of using cold water, we have applied hot water to speed up the fermentation process. In this shorter period of fermentation, the coffee grain keeps its density. It also helps maintain the grain’s components pure and natural ( sugars, oils, etc.). We do take a lot of care managing our plantations, making sure that the coffee trees receive all the nutrition and pest control needed.

We are very proud of be one of the most recognizes coffee farm’s in Guatemala, winning a lot of awards for our quality.