The story of the Benitez family is one that’s bound to bring a smile to your face. Back in the 1980s, when Juan and his brother arrived in the Santa Barbara region, they had no inkling that they would one day be renowned for producing the finest coffees in the country.

They settled in the picturesque El Ocotillo village, nestled on the fringes of the stunning mountainous terrain of Montaña Santa Barbara, with a breathtaking view of Yojoa Lake. Initially, they ventured into vegetable farming, taking advantage of the high altitudes and cooler climate that favored crop growth.

Regrettably, due to a lack of agricultural support and low prices for their produce, the brothers had to pivot their focus. In the 1990s, they made the pivotal decision to transition to coffee cultivation. Initially, their primary aim was economic sustainability, as they were grappling to make ends meet.

It wasn’t until 2006 that a glimmer of hope emerged when they found the much-needed support from San Vincente Mill. In that same year, they participated in the Cup of Excellence competition and achieved a remarkable first-place victory, altering the course of their lives forever.

The subsequent year marked the beginning of Juan’s journey into the realm of specialty coffee. His aspirations underwent a significant transformation, and since then, he has been dedicated to enhancing his wet mill infrastructure, refining his washed processing techniques, and perfecting his drying methods.

We are thrilled to embark on a collaboration with this remarkable gentleman and savor his exceptional PACAS coffee.