Juan Francisco Pira

Juan Francisco Pira

Juan Francisco, with a degree in agriculture, is well prepared for the farming of coffee. In fact he has a green thumb when it comes to other crops as well, being a producer of such diverse crops internationally as Soy and more recently Cacao. This insight into how to make diverse plants types grow in varied environments serves him well when it comes to innovation and testing new methods and varietals on his farm. I first tried Juan’s coffee in 2012 in a cupping at the ANACAFE headquarters in Guatemala City and was amazed at its balance and clean, sweet flavors…I knew that a trip to the farm was needed to meet Juan and see what he had developed, and talk about how we might work together.

I first tried Juan’s coffee in 2012 in a cupping at the ANACAFE headquarters in Guatemala City and was amazed at its balance and clean, sweet flavors.

Planted on the slopes of rich, black volcanic soil & the banks of Lake Atitlán; it’s no wonder La Providencia is a stand out. Many tourists, especially Guatemalans, love to visit this Amazing volcanic lake; where easy access means boat taxi’s to get you where you need to go. Part of this beauty are the lush banks of the volcano’s, often coffee plants nestled in the rich soil. Most farmers here work very small plots of 3-4 acres and often less. Juan Francisco worked on a larger estate, one of only a couple larger farms, before purchasing it and adding small parcels over the years.

Innovative definitely describes Juan, who wants to keep pushing the possibilities and quality of the coffee he cares for.

These extra plots allowed him to try all the experiments we love working with him on! Innovative definitely describes Juan, who wants to keep pushing the possibilities and quality of the coffee he cares for. Every year we visit and find new varietals, planting methods and processing changes that are meant to push the industry forward and, ultimately, offer you even better tasting coffee through this relationship!