Eudoro Guillen, a second-generation coffee farmer from Las Manos in Dipilto, Nicaragua, has carved out a remarkable path in the world of specialty coffee, driven by a deep sense of heritage and a commitment to quality. His farm, San José has become the cornerstone of Eudoro’s life work, a testament to the legacy left by his late father, who passed away when Eudoro was just 18 years old. The loss of his father at such a pivotal age could have been a setback – but instead, it became a source of motivation. Along with his wife, Norma Flores and his mother, Doña Silvia, Eudoro has dedicated himself to preserving and building upon the knowledge and traditions passed down to him. Over the years, San José has become renowned for producing top-tier coffees, and has gained recognition in prestigious programs such as the Cup of Excellence.

Innovation at San José extends beyond the choice of coffee variety. Eudoro and Norma have embraced modern coffee processing techniques, particularly the implementation of Carbonic Maceration (CM) via local partner, Bridazul and our green bean partner, Project Origin. This advanced technique involves fermenting coffee cherries in a controlled environment with carbon dioxide, which enhances the flavour profile of the coffee. After floating the coffee cherries to remove any that are defective, Eudoro meticulously delivers them to the dry mill for the final stages of CM processing.

Since 2019, this partnership has extended beyond San José, contributing to broader initiatives aimed at improving the livelihoods of coffee producers in Nueva Segovia, a region known for its coffee production. Project Origin and Bridazul have been instrumental in introducing and expanding CM techniques across the region, providing farmers with the tools and knowledge they need to improve their yields and the quality of their coffee. This initiative has not only helped increase the income of these farmers but has also positioned Nueva Segovia as a significant player in the global specialty coffee market.