Marysabel Caballero and Moises Herrera

Marysabel Caballero and Moises Herrera represent a cornerstone of modern specialty coffee production in Honduras. Based in the high-altitude region of Marcala, La Paz, their operation is anchored by Finca El Puente, a farm that has become synonymous with excellence. Marysabel is a fourth-generation coffee farmer, carrying on a legacy that began with her ancestors in the region, while her husband, Moises, brings a complementary dedication to the technical and logistical demands of high-end coffee production. Together, they manage a vast network of over 50 farms, overseeing the entire supply chain from seed to export through their own dedicated wet and dry mills.

The couple’s rise to international prominence is marked by their consistent performance in the Cup of Excellence competition, which helped establish their reputation among specialty roasters globally. Since the early 2000s, they have cultivated long-standing partnerships with prominent roasters, who value not only the cup quality—often characterized by complex acidity and deep sweetness—but also the couple's professional rigor. Their work spans a diverse array of cultivars, including Geisha, Java, SL28, Batian, Pacamara, and Catuai, each processed with precision to highlight specific varietal characteristics.

Beyond their output, the pair is recognized for their forward-thinking approach to agronomy and environmental responsibility. They have been early adopters of sustainable practices, focusing on shade-grown coffee, biodiversity, and social projects that benefit their local community in Chinacla. Their commitment extends to the soil itself; recent initiatives include a shift away from heavy reliance on synthetic fertilizers and agro-chemicals toward biological solutions, such as the integration of shade trees and the cultivation of soil microorganisms to improve long-term farm resilience.

This transition is part of a broader strategy to adapt to the increasing volatility of the climate. As producers, they face significant challenges, including frost and unpredictable weather patterns that have impacted recent harvests. In response, they have demonstrated remarkable resilience, such as implementing rigorous sorting protocols—sometimes sorting beans up to ten times—to ensure that only the highest quality coffee reaches the export market despite environmental setbacks.

Their operation serves as a model for vertical integration in the specialty sector. By controlling their own processing facilities, they maintain total oversight of the quality control process, allowing them to experiment with various processing techniques, including washed and natural methods. This level of control is essential for their ability to produce consistent, high-scoring lots that meet the exacting standards of the global specialty market.

Ultimately, the story of Marysabel Caballero and Moises Herrera is one of continuous evolution. They balance the weight of family heritage with the necessity of scientific innovation, working closely with researchers and roasters to secure the future of their farms. For the drinker, their coffee represents the intersection of deep-rooted tradition and the cutting edge of agricultural practice, offering a transparent and high-quality experience that reflects the immense labor and expertise invested at every stage of production.