Jose & Pepe Jijón and Francisco Vintimilla

The partnership between Jose and Pepe Jijón and Francisco Vintimilla represents a sophisticated, multi-generational approach to coffee production in Ecuador. Pepe Jijón, a globally recognized producer, established his reputation through Finca Soledad, a farm noted for its community-focused model that provides employment and support for local single mothers. This commitment to social responsibility is a cornerstone of the Jijón family's philosophy, which extends into their newer agricultural ventures.

Finca San Pedro, a collaborative project involving Pepe, his son Jose, and Francisco Vintimilla, serves as a primary site for their recent work. Located in the Loja region at extreme elevations—often exceeding 2,200 meters—the farm is designed to push the boundaries of what is possible in high-altitude coffee cultivation. Together, these producers operate under the collective identity of Fincas del Putushio, a sister-farm initiative that functions as a laboratory for the next evolution of Ecuadorian coffee farming.

The producers are highly regarded for their focus on specific, high-quality coffee varieties, most notably Sidra, Typica Mejorada, and Geisha. Their approach to processing is equally meticulous, often utilizing proprietary or experimental methods such as the 'Wave Washed' technique. These processes are designed to highlight the inherent complexity of the beans, resulting in cup profiles frequently described as having delicate florals, crisp acidity, and notes of stone fruit or black tea.

Jose Jijón, representing the younger generation of the family, has become an integral part of the farm's operations. His involvement signifies a transition in the family business, balancing traditional agricultural knowledge with modern, market-facing roles. This transition has been documented in international media, highlighting the challenges and aspirations of the next generation of coffee farmers as they navigate the global specialty market.

The collaboration with Francisco Vintimilla has been instrumental in scaling the technical ambitions of the Fincas del Putushio project. By combining resources and expertise, the team has been able to maintain consistent quality across small, limited-production lots. This consistency has made their coffees highly sought after by specialty roasters worldwide, who often feature the producers' names prominently on their packaging to denote quality and traceability.

For the roaster and the consumer, the work of the Jijóns and Vintimilla represents the intersection of terroir and intentionality. By selecting specific varieties suited to the unique microclimates of their high-altitude farms and applying precise, innovative processing, they produce coffees that are consistently complex and clean. Their work stands as a benchmark for modern specialty coffee production in Ecuador, emphasizing that excellence is achieved through a combination of environmental stewardship, social impact, and rigorous technical experimentation.