Guatemala / UPC - Women's Microlot

The Union of Small-Scale Producers (UPC) was founded in 1998 in Huehuetenango, Guatemala, a region celebrated for its vibrant, high-quality coffees. Today, around 160 members—men and women in nearly equal numbers—farm on steep, high-altitude terrain between 1,300 and 1,700 meters, cultivating traditional varietals under native shade trees. UPC’s mission is to promote social development for small-scale farmers through education, training, production, and marketing, with a strong emphasis on improving community well-being.

The cooperative supports its members with micro-credit programs, technical assistance, and training, while also maintaining a dedicated women’s group whose coffees are often processed and sold separately. UPC has produced Certified Organic, Fair Trade, and Rainforest Alliance coffees, though at times certification costs have posed challenges. Despite these hurdles, UPC remains committed to sustainable practices and to empowering its farmers to raise both the quality of their coffee and the standard of living for their families.

TASTING NOTES:  CRANBERRY /// BRAN /// CACAO