The Montevideo Estate has been run by almost five generations of the Guirola family. The estate extends about 380 acres of coffee growing land, and is located right on the San Salvador volcano. This height reaches 1300-1700 meters above sea level. In an aim to embrace independence for the facility, they've built water tanks for the neighboring families, provide ongoing work for it's neighbors and community members. As a part of this initiative, the family has donated land to build schools neighboring the farm for 800 students K-11. There is also a clinic and daycare center. The farm has also aided in the preservation and habitat of local fauna and flora.

Country of Origin:          El Salvador

Coffee Grade:                 SHG

Plant Species:                 Arabica

Processing:                     Washed

Variety:                           Bourbon, Typica

Region:                           San Salvador Volcano

Growing Altitude:         1300-1700 MASL

History of El Salvador Coffee

Coffee was first introduced to El Salvador from the Caribbean as a garden crop in the mid-18th century but did not gain a commercial production foothold until 1850’s because indigo, easier to grow and more profitable, was king. Coffee was first exported—695 bags—in 1856 and the government began to encourage coffee farming. Exponential growth coincided with the development of synthetic indigo near the end of the century. At one time, El Salvador was one of the largest producers of commercial coffees. Today, with a focus on quality over quantity, 70% of coffee from El Salvador sells for a premium above commodity prices. 

Growing Coffee in El Salvador

In 1975 El Salvador was, remarkably for its size, one of the largest coffee producers in the world, exporting 3.8 million bags. Today, a good year is 600,000 bags. Today, 86% of producers are responsible for only 20% of the country’s production, having 7 hectares or less. This means, that 80% of coffee production is controlled by only 14% of producers. And yet, because peace in El Salvador and the opening of coffee farming to smallholders coincided with the emergence of the specialty coffee sector in consuming countries and the inevitable rise of new-thinking generations within old families, there is a pervasive focus on quality regardless of farm size. Most coffee from El Salvador was sold at a differential price above commodity prices.