Guatemala

Guatemala has grown coffee since the mid-17th century. There are currently more than 305,000 hectares of coffee, representing 2.8% of national soil and spreading across the country’s 22 departments. 98% of producers grow coffee on a small scale, and less than 1% are large-scale farmers. Over 80% of the coffee exported is of a high quality, what we call a “SHB” (strictly hard bean) grade. Coffee is the second most important agricultural export after sugar. There are 8 coffee-growing regions. The highest production volume was recorded between, with 5 million bags of coffee, before the 2011 crisis hit.

Guatemala has numerous microclimates, explained by altitudes ranging from 0 to 4,211 metres. There are 37 volcanoes, which produce a soil ideal for coffee growth, as well as numerous mountains and rivers. It is also bordered by the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans.  

Anacafe (Asociacion Nacional del Cafe) is a private institution that oversees and supports all coffee production and export in Guatemala. It was created in 1960 as a result of a national law. It represents Guatemala’s coffee industry abroad, expedites export permits and promotes the country’s coffees.          

Anacafe also provides technical support for producers and various services for the coffee community.