Guatemala
Cooperativia Integral Agricola Chicoj
Cobán
1340masl
Bourbon, Catimor, Caturra, Maragogype, Pache
Natural

Passionfruit and Vanilla Bean Ice Cream.

Cooperativa Integral Agrícola Chicoji is a cooperative of producers from the Chicoj area in the Cobán region of Guatemala. Smallholder farmers make up the vast majority of Guatemala's coffee sector.

“Chipi-chipi”: Cobán is a highland city located in Guatemala's central Cardamom. This region is known for being cold, cloudy and rainy year round. If they say the rain is letting up, it means it's still drizzling. The mountains of Cobán are known for “chipi-chipi," an incessant light mist. It's under this mist that much of the coffee is grown. Coffee grows in limestone and clay soils.

Coffee a way of life: Guatemala's coffee sector reflects the country's rich cultural tapestry, representing more than 20 officially recognised indigenous groups. These groups share culture and tradition through coffee, with most farms intertwining with their community and neighbours in various ways. Farms in Guatemala generally operate in one of three ways. They may work independently, share ties through proximity and culture, or formalise their connections as part of cooperative associations. 

The cooperative and its members at Chicoji began growing coffee more than 40 years ago to supply the regional coop FEDECOVERA, and to obtain better market access and pricing together.

Process and Varietals: Coffees from this cooperative are comprised of Bourbon, Catimor, Caturra, Maragogype, and Pache — the most commonly cultivated varieties in this region. This coffee has been naturally processed.

Not all smooth sailing: Starting in 2012 and lasting for several years, an outbreak of coffee-leaf rust proved a tremendous obstacle to coffee production in Guatemala. This significant event for the cooperative has led to the renewal of the cooperative’s coffee plants, promoting varieties that are tolerant and resistant to rust.

Certification: The cooperative has 7 certifications - Organic Certification since 2005 (NOP, EU, JAS, BIOSuisse), Kosher, FSC, and Fairtrade. The coop maintains its commitment to the sustainable production of coffee for its customers without neglecting the natural resources necessary for the survival of future generations.

The agroclimatic conditions in Cobán, integrated crop management, and innovative coffee fermentation processes make Cooperativa Chicoj's coffee unique. Get ready to enjoy a cup that has flavours of cooked passionfruit and vanilla bean ice cream.