Quality Assurance

Farming

Our practices undergo a strict organic qualification program before entering our supply chain. We ensure that our farmers employ natural and organic methods to maintain soil health and fertility, promoting biodiversity and preserving the ecosystem while ensuring meticulous record-keeping, traceability, and rigorous inspections.

Our processes are regularly audited by independent certifying bodies to ensure that our coffee meets the stringent standards set internationally. El Catuaí holds the Japanese Agricultural Standard (JAS) Organic Certification, in compliance with Japanese regulations; the ECOCERT Organic Agriculture Certification for the commercialisation within the European Union; the Organic Crop Improvement Association (OCIA) International Organic Certification, in compliance with the IACB Equivalent European Union Organic Production and Processing Standard for Third Countries; and the OCIA-accredited USDA National Organic Program (NOP) Organic Certification for commercialisation to the USA.

Processing

Our dry and wet processing facility at Finca La Concha is licensed by the Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources (MARN) and is currently undergoing certification for the environmental management of our processing plant. At our processing facilities, we ensure proper treatment of the wastewater from the processing plant, preventing contamination of the groundwater, and utilise an organic and biodegradable certified product containing microorganisms that consumes the residues from the ponds called Terrabiosa.

Exporting

As a licensed producer and exporter, we adhere to The National Coffee Association's (ANACAFÉ) stringent quality standards and our Agexport Exporter Code demonstrates our commitment to professionalism, transparency, and adherence to export procedures.

Additionally, our packaging undergoes thorough inspections to ensure they are free from contaminants and meets the highest standards of food safety and hygiene in compliance with the SGS Eco-Product Certification and set limits on the levels of mineral oils that can migrate from packaging materials in compliance with the Mineral Oil Saturated Hydrocarbons (MOSH) regulations set by the European Food And Safety Authority.

We're Committed To Creating A Greener & Healthier Planet For Future Generations

Agroforestry in Sustainable Farming Incentives

El Catuaí is dedicated to promoting biodiversity through our shade-grown coffee, practices. We plant Cuje (Inga Fissiolyx) trees to provide shade to our coffee plants in addition to being registered with Guatemala's National Forestry Registry, adhering to EU Deforestation Standards (EUDR), and ensuring ethically cultivated coffee beans that benefit local communities and the planet.

Our farm El Paraíso, has proudly planted 19 different species with a stand volume of 47,907.78, download our latest assessment here. Our farm La Concha has planted 33 different species with a total stand volume of 62759.11, download our latest assessment here.

Furthermore, in the past 3 years, we have planted 119,427 new coffee plants in El Paraíso, and 117,055 coffee plants in La Concha, totalling 236,482 new coffee plants.

At El Catuaí, we don't just preserve our lands and our natural ecosystems, we actively plant new ones to ensure a sustainable future for coffee farming.

Together, let's cultivate a sustainable future, one cup of coffee at a time.

Evolving with Science

We utilise centuries of established research on organic methods and biotechnology to bring the best quality coffee to your cup. This includes revolutionary research on soil fertility, physicochemical and microbiological water analysis, weed suppression and biocontrol methods.

We collect soil samples from various coffee plantings for chemical analysis yearly. This helps us determine the right fertilisation dosage, calibrate soil conditions, and assess nutrient levels. Over time, it provides a valuable soil fertility record, guiding our organic fertilisation formulas.

Annually, we selectively prune shade trees to manage shade levels and create organic compost from the branches. Additionally, we do biannual weed trimming which enriches the soil with organic matter, and our proximity to the active Pacaya volcano provides highly fertile black soil, enhancing the flavour and quality of our coffee beans.

Soil Fertility Management

Water Treatment & Processing

Once a year, we collect water samples from various points in our irrigation system, including mountain springs and the La Concha River, which spans over 2 miles. These samples undergo lab analysis to ensure they meet standards for consumption, industrial use, discharge, and production.

To prevent contamination, Certified Sanitary Engineers treat honey waters before adding them to oxidation ponds, we use Terra Biosa, an organic, biodegradable product with microorganisms, to consume any remaining honey.

Twice a year, we use mechanical mowers to control weeds in our coffee plantation, preventing competition for soil nutrients. We also apply an organic weed prevention formula developed by Darwin Monterroso, currently undergoing patenting by the Ministry of Agriculture.

Weed Suppression

Mitigation Zones

To safeguard organic coffee plantations from contamination, we create 50-meter buffer zones. Coffee within this zone is separated and sold apart from the organic export batch. If non-organic elements are removed, a three to five-year incubation period ensures reintegration into regular organic production.

Using nature as our foundation for nutrient-rich coffee

Our worm beds are strategically located around our coffee nursery on the farms. The breeding area, around 500 mature earthworms are nurtured to continuously lay eggs in the buckets. Vermicompost serves as a vital organic fertiliser to enhance the growth and vitality of our coffee plants. The worms in our beds are fed with coffee pulp, which is dried for approximately three months to become their primary food source. The extract from the liquid humus of the earthworm, commonly known as leachate, is also collected and stored in piles which is a valuable resource for enhancing the foliage of our plantations.

ORGANIC FERTILISERS

Wormbeds: Vermicompost & Leachate

The ashes from the active Pacaya volcano enrich our soil with nutrients and hold immense agricultural benefits. Volcanic ash is a versatile and effective multi-nutrient mineral fertiliser that provides essential trace metals to the soil microflora, facilitating the biogeochemical cycling of elemental nutrients like carbon, nitrogen, sulfur, and phosphorus.

Ash Lye From Volcán Pacaya

Pure Baking Soda

Baking soda acts as a natural deterrent for coffee tree leafcutter ants, also known as 'zompopos,' while enriching soil fertility upon dissolution

Natural Insecticides

BIOCONTROL

Methyl & Ethyl Alcohol

With our traps made of containers painted in red to simulate the color of coffee, we combat the coffee berry borer, known as "broca," which trap the insects inside these containers, allowing us to measure their population by counting the trapped insects in each area of the plantation.

Beeswax

Our cricket traps contain beeswax, which attracts crickets due to its sweetness. Once inside the bottle, the crickets get trapped and cannot escape, helping protect our coffee plants.

Sietecaldos Chilli Pepper

We boil the chili in barrels and spread it around the nursery to deter night worms and crickets with its strong smell and spiciness.

Neem Trees

We cultivate Neem trees on our farms and the fruits are harvested when they reach optimal maturity. The harvested fruits are then processed to extract their valuable oil, which contains a potent blend of bioactive compounds, making it highly valuable for pest control.

Guarumo Leaves Water

The water made from the Guarumo tree leaves contains active components and antimicrobial and antifungal properties, which prevent the fungus "ojo de gallo".

Chilli Pepper Formula

By utilising our unique combination of chili peppers with anti-fungal properties, we create an effective defense against the fungus, Roya (coffee leaf rust).

Cassava Root

Cassava is planted strategically in our coffee plantations and serves as a natural nematode suppressor for coffee root health.

Natural Pesticides & Fungicides

We believe in building a better future for our farmers, the community, & the world

At El Catuai, we're dedicated to building a better future for farmers, our communities, and the world.

We begin by creating employment opportunities for individuals from various regions in Guatemala, especially in areas with limited job prospects. We go the extra mile by covering their transportation, meal expenses, and providing housing for their families. But we don't stop at employment. We construct houses for our workers and supply them with soil to grow corn, an essential crop in Guatemala. Nutritious meals are delivered to them right at the plantations. At Finca La Concha, we've established a school and maintain a church, fostering both education and spiritual growth.

On the infrastructure front, we maintain open irrigation channels and wells, ensuring access to water for the surrounding areas. We're also committed to providing clean drinking water to multiple towns. Furthermore, we extend our support to the El Paraiso community by offering access to our estate's football stadium.

Gender equality and empowerment are important to us. Women actively participate in various roles, from seedbed work to coffee planting and irrigation activities. They're indispensable in nurturing seedlings, tending to fields, applying fertilizers, and more. We even accommodate mothers by allowing them to bring their children to work, ensuring they're not left alone at home.

Through these comprehensive initiatives, El Catuai strives to cultivate a thriving, supportive community, making a positive impact on the lives of individuals and families while championing sustainable development throughout the region.

Conserving quality & flavour from farm to cup

ECO-FRIENDLY PACKAGING

Our eco-friendly packaging made of Jute sourced by Gloster Ltd., plays a vital role in preserving the essence of coffee during transportation. With its highly breathable nature, jute allows for proper air circulation within the sacks, effectively regulating moisture levels and preventing the development of excess humidity while maintaining the bean flavor and quality. The durability of jute sacks provides a robust barrier against physical damage, ensuring the beans remain intact and protected throughout the journey.

Ecotact is a cutting-edge green plastic bag specifically designed to safeguard the quality and freshness of our green coffee beans. These bags are placed inside the jute sacks, providing an additional layer of protection against the intrusion of moisture, air, and odors; while minimising safeguarding the beans from any potential contact with contaminants or pollutants.

Jute Sacks & Ecotact Hermetic Bags

Contact Us