Manuel hails from a coffee-loving, multi-generational family of coffee growers. Their dedication to coffee cultivation has remained unwavering, with each generation consistently striving to enhance the quality of their coffee year after year.

At the young age of 23, Manuel received a significant gift from his grandfather—a property nestled at 1200 meters above sea level. Over the next eight years, Manuel poured his heart and soul into this land. However, due to persistently low coffee prices and disappointing production yields, he made the difficult decision to seek employment in the city to address his financial challenges.

In 2010, an opportunity arose that would change Manuel’s trajectory. He had the chance to acquire a 10-hectare plot of land in the renowned El Ocotillo village of Santa Barbara, celebrated for its high-quality coffee production. With the assistance of his cousins, Manuel successfully cultivated over 7 hectares of this land. The farm’s name, “The Cousins,” directly reflects their collaborative efforts.

In 2017, Manuel participated in the Late Harvest National Competition and earned an impressive 2nd place. Reflecting on his victory, he expressed, “The coffee from my farm has exceeded my wildest quality expectations. Winning 2nd place is a tremendous source of motivation to continue my relentless commitment to maintaining and enhancing the quality of my coffee for discerning buyers.”