OUR FARMERS
Our Mission is to develop and roast high quality coffee, while improving the lives of our growers, partners, and customers through meaningful and honest relationships… one cup at a time.
Our farmers grow their coffees with passion and care. And at Viva, we work directly and intentionally with them.
finca siete de julio, copan | evelyn tabora
In April of 2021, during one of his travels through the Western Sierras, Gerardo connected with a hard working family, the Sanchez-Tabora’s. Evelyn and Hector are a 3rd generation coffee producer family originally from Santa Rosa, Copán. Evelyn’s grandfather, “Don” Tulio Tabora began producing coffee in this area since the 1970s, but It wasn’t until 2018 when Evelyn and Hector decided to start developing specialty grade coffee. They took advantage of the ideal soil, a perfectly balanced micro-climate, and outstanding natural shade that characterizes this region. These conditions, in combination with a natural drying process, has allowed them to produce one of the best cups in the entire country. But their passion goes beyond high quality coffee beans. Their desire is not only to provide a dignifying living for their family and their children, but also to help the local community of which they are part of, the “Aldea el Rodeo”. Here they employ more than 100 people during peak harvest season. When Gerardo met the Sanchez-Tabora family, he immediately felt a connection and passion for a better world and high quality coffee. Today, this beautiful family of four grows some of the best coffee in Honduras and has now become part of the Viva Coffee Roasters extended family.
finca la joya, marcala | carlos amaya
Our relationship with Carlos Amaya, son of Mr. Juan Carlos Amaya, originated during a coffee forum in the spring of 2021. Gerardo had joined the virtual forum where he got a message from Carlos. Carlos shared a quick background on his family’s coffee farm and on the different types of beans and processes that they were developing. Although the product seemed amazing and the farm had perfect conditions and altitude, there was something that stood out more than the coffee: how much Carlos cared. His knowledge, passion, and drive to become the best coffee farmer in the Montecillos Coffee Region in Western Honduras. How motivated he was to go above and beyond to provide the highest quality bean. This young farmer has become the technical expert developing different processes (Washed, Natural, Honey) and recipes which added great value to his dad’s coffee plantation. Carlos is extremely passionate, aiming to go above and beyond to provide the highest quality bean. Gerardo was sold… because that is what Viva stands for. We stand for people that want to make a difference in the world through excellent work ethic, technical development, and passion to be agents of change.
comucap, marcala
COMUCAP is an All-Women operated Cooperative located in the Region of Montecillos, Marcala. COMUCAP (Cooperativa de Mujeres Campesinas) was established in 2003. Their farm began as a way to help support and give careers to women fighting against physical and emotional domestic abuse, as well as those facing poverty and neglect.
In February of 2023, during our 10-day sourcing trip, we met with COMUCAP for the first time. During the introduction and cupping session, COMUCAP shared their story with us, and the outcome can be summarized into this statement: "We thought we were coming down here to buy coffee. We did not expect to fall in love with the people and the stories [of courage and perseverance]. The great coffee is just an additional benefit.”
With every purchase of Abeja and Sol, you are providing hope and a better future for the women of COMUCAP. You truly can change the world one cup at a time.
FINCA DEBORAH | cECILIA QUAN
Meet Cecilia Quan and her grandmother Irma Acosta: farmers at Finca Deborah in Honduras. "Doña" Irma is 91 years old, and continues to be a strong leader in the farming community by supporting and mentoring Cecilia as a 3rd generation farmer.
Located in the region of Montecillos, cool temperatures and high altitude contribute ideal growing conditions, while the region’s volcanic soil providing the farms' beans with essential minerals that enhance overall quality and taste. At Finca Deborah, Cecilia and her husband strive to find harmony with the beauty of the region. Their focus is in minimizing environmental impact by employing eco-friendly methods, like organic farming practices and water conservation. "We work with passion to find a balance with all the beautiful animals, trees, and plants that are part of our farm. All of the coffees are shade grown.” Cecilia explains. Viva connected with Cecilia through a partnership with CIMA Cafe, a green bean trader who specializes in Honduran beans.
COMSA | Pedro Turcios
Pedro Turcios is a farmer at COMSA (Cafe Organico Marcala S.A.), a prominent organic coffee cooperative located in the region of Montecillos in Marcala. His story is a unique one: pivoting from a career in professional soccer to become a talented 4th generation coffee farmer. He’s the youngest of 6 brothers, raised by his single mother who introduced him to the beauty and complexity of coffee. He’s extremely passionate about his community and the outstanding practices that they have developed at his family's farm, Maria Bonita.
COMSA focuses heavily on ensuring the success of their farmers. They provide opportunities for fair trade and training, and resources for advancing their farming techniques. Pedro and his farming practices are a living example of enriching people's lives. He’s been a key figure in COMSA’s success, his vision has been crucial to upholding COMSA’s values. In a previous cupping session of his newest beans for Viva, Gerardo was impressed not only by the complexity of the flavors, but the elegance of the coffee that Pedro had created. His attention to detail, strict control on quality metrics, and his creativity are what stand out most. Pedro’s leadership represents a successful model of combining high-quality coffee production with strong environmental and social responsibility.