Carmen - H3 [24]

In the 1930s, Finca La Colina, nestled in the fertile Acatenango Valley, stood as one of the region’s largest coffee producers. Owned by Don Mateo Mejía, the farm was a pioneer, not only cultivating coffee but also processing its own harvest with both wet and dry mills—an uncommon advantage at the time. By the 1950s, the farm passed to his son, José Mejía, who continued the pursuit of excellence, transforming the farm into an award-winning producer renowned for its outstanding cup quality.

The next chapter of this story begins with Juan José Mejía, who inherited part of the family land following his father’s passing in 1980. Naming his portion Finca El Carmen, Juan José introduced new varietals like Yellow Catuaí, Tekisic, and the revered Gesha, which elevated the farm’s reputation further. With a relentless focus on quality, Finca El Carmen became a fixture in national competitions, repeatedly recognised for producing some of Guatemala’s finest coffees.

In the early 2010s, the farm was entrusted to Don Héctor Leal, a man with a vision to build upon the legacy of El Carmen. Héctor began a new era, replanting the farm with exceptional varietals like Ethiopian Dwarf, Pink Bourbon, and Chiroso, pushing the boundaries of quality even further.

Today, the stewardship of El Carmen rests in the capable hands of Maris Leal, Héctor’s granddaughter, and her husband, Daniel Skineer-Klee. Their seamless collaboration and shared dedication to coffee quality have breathed new life into the farm. Together, they not only manage the daily operations but continue to innovate, ensuring that El Carmen’s coffee remains among Guatemala’s best. Maris, a respected judge at ANACAFE (The Guatemalan Coffee Association), brings her expertise to the farm, while she and Daniel raise their three children amidst the legacy of coffee excellence that has been passed down through generations.