Archived duplicate — Marysabel Caballero and Moisés Herrera

Marysabel Caballero and Moisés Herrera are among the most influential figures in the Honduran specialty coffee sector. Marysabel, a third or fourth-generation coffee farmer, carries a family legacy that dates back to 1907 when her great-grandfather began cultivating coffee in the region. Her father, Don Fabio Caballero, was a pioneer of high-quality coffee production in Honduras, and it was his land that eventually formed the foundation of the couple's current operations. Moisés, originally from Guatemala, met Marysabel while working in the region, and together they have built an enterprise that spans over 200 to 300 hectares across approximately 17 different farms near the town of Marcala in the La Paz department.

The couple’s journey has been defined by a relentless pursuit of quality, often navigating challenging wet and windy conditions in the Chinacla area. In the early 2000s, they faced significant economic hardships that nearly forced them to abandon their business, but their commitment to refining their craft allowed them to persevere. They modernized the family’s wet mill into a comprehensive operation, granting them full control over the production process from the initial cherry harvest to the final export-ready green coffee. This vertical integration is a hallmark of their success, ensuring that every detail is managed with precision.

Finca El Puente serves as the centerpiece of their operation and has become a globally recognized name in specialty coffee. The farm is known for its diverse array of cultivars, including Catuai, which serves as their primary variety, alongside specialty selections such as Java, Pacamara, Geisha, and Batian. Their processing methods are equally diverse, utilizing both washed and natural techniques to highlight the unique characteristics of each lot. To maintain sustainability and soil health, they employ organic fertilizers derived from coffee pulp and manure, while integrating fruit trees to foster biodiversity across their lands.

Their dedication to excellence has earned them significant international acclaim. A major turning point in their professional trajectory was their success in the Cup of Excellence, which helped elevate their profile among global roasters. Additionally, they secured 3rd place in the SCAA “Coffee of the Year” competition in 2010. Their work has been featured by prominent specialty roasters worldwide, many of whom have maintained direct trade relationships with the couple for over two decades, citing their consistency and innovation as key factors in their long-standing partnerships.

Beyond the accolades, the couple is noted for their collaborative approach to farming. While both are deeply involved in the daily management of their farms, the coffees are frequently branded under Marysabel’s name, a gesture of recognition for her family’s deep-rooted history in the region. Their influence extends beyond their own farms, as they have helped set a standard for quality in Honduras, inspiring a new generation of producers to focus on meticulous processing and varietal selection.

Today, Marysabel and Moisés continue to refine their craft, balancing traditional knowledge with modern agricultural science. Their story is one of resilience, emotional connection to the land, and a shared belief that the best coffee is the result of deep, long-term relationships. As they continue to experiment with new varieties and processing techniques, they remain a benchmark for quality in the specialty coffee industry, representing the pinnacle of Honduran coffee production.