Guatemala - Santos Perez Ramirez

Santos Pérez Ramírez is a respected leader of ASDEFLOR (Asociación de Desarrollo Flor del Café), a small collective of Mam Mayan coffee producers in the highlands of Huehuetenango. Formed in 2012 after years of working together informally, ASDEFLOR exists for one clear purpose: to break free from exploitative pricing and connect directly with quality-driven buyers who value transparency and long-term partnership.

Santos farms several small parcels at 1,600–1,800 meters above sea level, where cool temperatures and high elevation create ideal conditions for slow cherry maturation. His plantings of Caturra, Pache, Bourbon, and Catuaí reflect both tradition and resilience, contributing to the layered sweetness and structure found in the cup.

All coffee is processed on Santos’ farm. Cherries are depulped the day they are harvested and fermented for up to three days, a carefully managed process shaped by the region’s cool climate. After a single wash, the coffee is patio-dried for 5–9 days, allowing flavors to stabilize while preserving clarity and balance.

Santos’ approach to farming is deeply rooted in ecological care. He avoids herbicides, maintains ground cover to protect soil health, and composts coffee pulp with animal manure and sugarcane juice to nourish his fields naturally. Hardwood shade trees planted throughout the farm support biodiversity today while creating future income opportunities for the next generation.

That next generation is already involved. Santos’ son, Augusto, plays an active role in the farm and within ASDEFLOR, regularly participating in local cuppings and helping evaluate the quality of their coffees—ensuring that tradition and quality continue to evolve together.