Jorge Benitez’s father moved from the south of Honduras to this region seeking better opportunities and land to cultivate – a true reflection of his passion for agriculture. He purchased a property from his brother and began working with cold-weather vegetables, laying the foundation for the family’s agricultural journey.

From a young age, Jorge was by his father’s side, helping in the vegetable plots and on the coffee farm. He learned the rhythms of planting and caring for the land, gaining hands-on experience that would shape his future.

When Jorge was 14, his father bought another nearby plot and entrusted part of it to him as an inheritance. That same year, with his father’s guidance, Jorge planted it with Bourbon coffee – the very trees that remain on the farm to this day!

In 2005, with support from San Vicente, Jorge’s father entered the 2nd edition of the Honduran Cup of Excellence for the first time. To everyone’s surprise, he won first place. The achievement brought immense joy to the family and earned both his father and their region great prestige. Inspired by this success, his father transitioned fully from vegetables to coffee.

It wasn’t until 2010, however, that Jorge and his family were able to process specialty coffee and sell it as a micro-lot abroad. Years of dedication and learning culminated in a personal milestone in 2017, when Jorge achieved 2nd place in the Cup of Excellence Honduras!

This recognition remains the greatest award of his career, a testament to his commitment, and a source of pride in living and working in a region capable of producing exceptional coffee.