GUATEMALA, Petrona Perez, Finca Satchibal, Huehuetenango

Petrona Perez and her mother manage their five-acre farm in the highlands of San Antonio Huista, standing as a powerful example of the vital role women play in coffee production.

Established in 2002, Finca Satchibal became entirely their responsibility after Petrona’s father left to seek work in North America. Mother and daughter have since managed every aspect of the farm themselves, overseeing the entire journey from hand-picking ripe coffee cherries to processing, drying, and delivering the finished parchment coffee to the exporter’s warehouse.

Their farm benefits from a unique microclimate shaped by dry, warm winds that sweep across the nearby Mexican border. Combined with the region’s high elevation, these conditions produce coffees with remarkable complexity, sweetness, and character that distinguish them within the region.

Driven by an unwavering desire to improve her craft, Petrona continually sought to deepen her understanding of coffee production and quality. Her determination eventually led her to our export partner, where she confidently presented a sample of her coffee, proudly declaring it to be among the finest in the region. The cupping results later proved her right.

Although Finca Satchibal is small and lacks the sophisticated infrastructure of many larger estates and mills, Petrona and her mother demonstrate that exceptional coffee is not defined by size, but by dedication, precision, and an uncompromising commitment to quality. Their meticulous attention to every detail is a reminder that extraordinary results can come from the humblest beginnings.

The name Satchibal translates to “the fruit of the tree,” a fitting reflection of the farm itself. More than simply producing exceptional coffee, it represents the fruits of years of perseverance, resilience, and determination as two independent women who have built a future through hard work and passion.

Coffee cultivation in Guatemala dates back to the 1850s and has long been a cornerstone of the country’s economy and agricultural heritage. For much of the 20th century and the early 21st century, Guatemala was Central America’s leading coffee producer before eventually being surpassed by neighbouring Honduras. Today, Guatemala remains internationally celebrated for its diverse growing regions, volcanic soils, and distinctive, high-quality coffees.

“Coffee has given my mother and me the opportunity to build something together. Every cup tells the story of our perseverance, our family, and the land we are fortunate to call home.” — Petrona Perez