Guatemala Huehuetenango ASDECAFE Organic

La Asociacion Sostenible de Café de Guatemala (ASDECAFE) is a sustainable, second-level coffee association in Guatemala with more than 1,000 active producer members. It was founded in September 2013 by six small, first-level producer organizations and today includes seven co-ops in the regions of Huehuetenango and El Quiche.

ASDECAFE received Organic certification around 2014, and exports to the United States increased from 825 quintals in 2013 to 23,000 quintals to the United States, Canada and France in 2016.

The association is committed to sustainability and environmental protections, the equitable distribution of all generated income, transparency in business and long-term relationships with customers and suppliers. It’s also intently focused on using good agricultural and post-harvest practices to improve its members’ coffee quality and access to international markets.

One of the co-ops under the ASDECAFE umbrella is Asociacion de Desarolla Flor de Café (ASDEFLOR), which was formed in 2012 in Chanjon, Todos Santos Chuchumantes, with 16 members and has since grown to 31 members. They predominantly speak Mayan, and their farms—at altitudes between 1,600 and 1,800 meters—are certified Organic.

By coming together under the umbrella of ASDECAFE, the smaller cooperatives can experience savings, such as through shared transportation costs and by splitting certifications fees, which helps their earned premiums go farther. ASDECAFE also offers services including technical assistance, trainings and pre-financing. Working together also gives them more bargaining strength and enables them to build relationships with importers—instead of relying individually on coyotes—which offers better prices and longterm stability.

Cupping notes: Strawberry, floral, citrus; sweet and complex, full body. 

Region: Huehuetenango

Growing Altitude: 1,400–1,800 m.a.s.l.

Arabica Variety: Catuai, Bourbon, Pache, Catimor

Harvest Period: December–MarchMilling

Process: Fully washed

Flavor: Cherry, lemon, strawberry, chocolate

Body: Buttery

Acidity: Lemon-lime