Guatemala - Nuevo Oriente (Filter)

Country: Guatemala Region: Nuevo Oriente Farm: Nuevo Oriente farms Altitude: 1300 - 1600 m.a.s.l. Variety: Bourbon Processing: Natural Descriptors: peach, pear, berries, caramel ABOUT COFFEE ORIENTE The Oriente region, also known as Nuevo Oriente, is located in eastern Guatemala near the border with Honduras. Coffee production began to expand here in the 1950s and soon became an important driver of economic growth for what was once a remote and isolated area. The terrain is mountainous and of ancient volcanic origin, yet unlike many other Guatemalan coffee regions, the soils are not typically volcanic but metamorphic, rich in minerals. This unique soil composition, combined with a cool and rainy climate, creates a distinctive microclimate that allows coffee cherries to mature slowly. Plantations are situated between 1300 and 1700 meters above sea level, producing Strictly Hard Bean coffees with high bean density. Another defining feature of Oriente is the social character of its coffee production. Most farms are small, family-owned plots where coffee is grown alongside corn, vegetables, and fruits for personal use. This creates sustainable practices deeply tied to local communities, maintaining a balance between economic development and traditional ways of life. COUNISA is one of Guatemala’s key coffee companies, with more than three decades of experience in the industry. Founded in 1988, it has grown into an important player in coffee cultivation, processing, and export. The company’s activities span from working directly with coffee farms to exporting green coffee and trading roasted beans. Representatives of COUNISA, including Betty Leiva and Erik Rosales, have served multiple times as members of the national jury for the Guatemala Cup of Excellence (2016, 2019, 2021). COUNISA is also recognized for its close collaboration with small and medium-sized farmers, helping them gain access to the global specialty coffee market. Through these partnerships, the company promotes sustainable practices and highlights the importance of transparency and fair compensation for producers.