Finca Los Primos (called El Primo on Verve's archive page)

Finca Los Primos is a 10.5-hectare coffee farm situated at an elevation of 1,700 to 1,800 meters above sea level in the El Ocotillo region of Santa Bárbara, Honduras. The farm is managed by Manuel Vallecillo, a producer whose family has been involved in coffee cultivation for multiple generations. The name 'Los Primos'—meaning 'The Cousins'—originates from the collaborative effort between Manuel and his cousins when they began developing the land in 2010.

Manuel’s journey in coffee began at age 23 when he inherited a lower-altitude plot from his grandfather. After eight years of farming, he faced the economic pressures of low market prices and left for the city to seek stable employment. However, the allure of specialty coffee production in the Santa Bárbara region prompted his return to agriculture in 2010, when he acquired the land that would become Finca Los Primos.

The farm’s production is primarily focused on the Pacas and Catuai varieties, which thrive in the unique microclimate of the Santa Bárbara mountains. Manuel’s approach to farming emphasizes meticulous cherry selection, a practice that has been central to the farm's reputation for quality. This dedication to detail is supported by his partnership with Beneficio San Vicente, a well-known regional processor that facilitates the export and quality control of his harvests.

Recognition for Finca Los Primos reached a significant milestone in 2017 when Manuel earned 2nd place in the Late Harvest National Competition. This achievement served as a validation of his transition from conventional farming to the specialty sector, demonstrating that his focus on high-altitude cultivation and rigorous processing methods could yield world-class results.

In practice, the farm operates with a focus on consistency and complexity. Roasters who source from Finca Los Primos often highlight the distinct flavor profiles of his washed-process Pacas lots, which frequently feature notes of strawberry, raisin, and floral aromatics. These characteristics are a direct result of the farm's high-altitude environment and the specific agricultural management techniques employed by Manuel.

For the consumer and the roaster, Finca Los Primos represents the success of the smallholder specialty model in Honduras. By focusing on high-quality varieties and leveraging the specific terroir of El Ocotillo, Manuel has successfully elevated his family's legacy. The farm stands as a testament to the resilience of producers who navigate the volatility of the coffee market by prioritizing quality and building direct relationships within the specialty supply chain.