Luis Alberto is an internationally recognized producer from Nueva Segovina, Nicaragua. Luis Alberto owns Fica Un Regalo de Dios, which he farms with his son Luis Gadiel. Finca Un Regalo de Dios (literally “A Gift from God”) is located on the northern border of Nicaragua where some of the finest coffees are produced.
Luis Alberto is the fourth generation in a line of Balladarez family coffee farmers and is carrying on the trade and tradition, training his children — son Luis Gadiel and daughters Cindy and Maria Josue — as the fifth generation!
The Balladarez family is keeper of coffee knowledge for nearly three centuries. In addition to the farm, the family owns and operates Las Segovias Mill, where the Balladarez coffee and coffee from neighboring farmers is carefully processed for export.
As Luis views life through a lens of coffee production, his lens is much broader than just coffee. He believes that the way he influences coffee production is also a way to positively influence people– his family, his community, and the world.
The family lives in the city of Ocotal, Nicaragua, where Luis is also a pastor in his community.
“Each cup of coffee is not just work, it’s more. Its a blessing from God. There is a lot of effort to prepare the coffee. We do this with love, passion, and gratefulness to God. Our work is a personal expression of our dedication to what we are doing. It impacts the taste of the coffee.” — Luis Alberto Balladarez
