Zelaya Family

The history of the Zelaya family in coffee production spans over a century, beginning in the Antigua Valley of Guatemala in 1908. The family’s involvement in the industry was initiated by Ricardo Zelaya’s great-grandfather, who recognized the potential of the region’s volcanic soil and began acquiring properties that would eventually become the family’s cornerstone coffee farms. This early vision laid the foundation for a multi-generational commitment to the production and export of Guatemalan coffee, with subsequent generations dedicating their lives to the craft of cultivation.

In 1989, the fourth generation of the family, Ricardo Zelaya, assumed management of the farms after completing his studies in agribusiness at Zamorano and the University of Florida. His leadership marked a period of modernization and refinement for the family’s operations. Under his guidance, the company has focused on integrating scientific agricultural practices with traditional knowledge to maintain the high standards associated with the Antigua region, which is celebrated for its rich volcanic soil and high-altitude growing conditions.

Santa Clara Coffee Farm, the most prominent estate under Ricardo Zelaya’s management, is situated on the southern slopes of the Antigua Valley at elevations ranging from 1,550 to 1,800 meters above sea level. The farm is known for its meticulous approach to shade-grown coffee, utilizing strictly controlled shade trees to regulate the sunlight exposure of the coffee plants. This environment is ideal for the cultivation of classic Arabica varieties, including Bourbon, Caturra, Catuaí, and Bourboncito, which have been staples of the farm’s production for many years.

The family’s dedication to quality has been validated through significant industry recognition. Santa Clara has achieved notable success in the Cup of Excellence competition, a rigorous international program that identifies the highest-scoring coffees in a given country. The farm secured winning placements in 2001, 2009, and 2010, cementing its reputation as a producer of world-class specialty coffee. These accolades serve as a testament to the family’s rigorous processing techniques and their ability to adapt to the evolving demands of the global specialty market.

Beyond the specific output of Santa Clara, the Zelaya name is deeply embedded in the broader coffee culture of Guatemala. The family is part of a wider network of producers in the Antigua region, with familial connections to other prominent figures such as Luis Pedro Zelaya Jr. of Bella Vista. This interconnectedness highlights the depth of the family’s influence, as they continue to contribute to the reputation of Guatemalan coffee as an 'Intangible Heritage of the Guatemalan Nation,' a designation that underscores the cultural and economic importance of the sector.

Today, the Zelaya family’s operations represent a blend of historical heritage and modern professional management. By focusing on sustainable practices, social responsibility, and the continuous improvement of their processing methods, they remain a key reference point for roasters and consumers seeking high-quality, traceable coffee. Their story is one of continuity, where the lessons learned from four generations of farming are applied to meet the technical and environmental challenges of contemporary coffee production.