Cooperativá de Producción Tzeltal-Tzotzil

Our Mexican coffee comes from 26 communities north of San Cristóbal de las Casas in Chiapas, Mexico. The coffee is grown by family-owned farms organized as the Cooperativa de Producción Tzeltal-Tzotzil. Members are predominantly indigenous Maya, speaking the two local languages, Tzeltal and Tzotzil. 

Tzeltal-Tzotzil was founded in 1986, with just 19 producers, and membership is now near 400. The coffee producers use their own micro-mill to process harvested cherries, giving meticulous care to de-pulping, fermenting, and drying each batch. Farms average less than 10 acres. Producers focus on organic practices to protect the environment and on quality to improve income and livelihoods for their families in the face of years of local violence and turmoil. In addition to coffee, members also process around 80 tons of honey each year. 

Our relationship with these farmers is new and exciting, and we are working together to develop People-Centered Development projects that support the well-being of their families and communities.  

Mexican coffee is known for being smooth and round in the mouth, with medium acidity and a gentle balance of flavors with nutty or lightly spicy notes. These beans produce a mellow, softly sweet cup, and a coffee that reflects the care, knowledge, and dedication of the communities who grow it.