El Oro, Ecuador

Our farmers through the years

Alfredo Ochoa

Alfredo was one of the first farmers Shane interviewed during his Mercer On Mission trip in the summer of 2016. Alfredo spoke about the growth his plantation had undergone in recent years, and how he was committed to producing only the highest quality coffee. The only problem? A lack of demand for coffee in Ecuador. Fast forward one year: Shane returned to Alfredo’s plantation with Arturo. The three walked all throughout the beautiful rows of coffee plants, observing the fruits of Alfredo’s labor. In August of 2017, the first batch of Alfredo’s coffee arrived to The States.

  • Location

    Curitejo, San Roque, Piñas, Ecuador

  • Altitude

    4,200ft. above sea level

  • Process

    Honey Processed

  • Flavor

    Sweet, Milk Chocolate

  • Other Crops

    Cacao, Oranges, Lemons

Carlos Ochoa

As the first farmer we ever had the opportunity to meet on our Mercer On Mission trip during the summer of 2016, Carlos Ochoa would become our first farmer partner. On our initial trip, we had the opportunity to spend time with Carlos and his wife, touring his plantation and enjoying Ecuadorian coffee. His plantation is full of specialty Arabica varieties. He has ample shade for his plants, including robust orange trees. Most notably, his plantation has a beautiful waterfall that Carlos has been able to utilize to irrigate his plantation.

  • Location

    Guizhaguina, Zaruma, Ecuador

  • Altitude

    5,000ft. above sea level

  • Process

    Washed Processed

  • Flavor

    Citrus, Dark Chocolate

  • Other Crops

    Cacao, Oranges

Gonzalo Suin

Having lived in the El Oro region for many years, Arturo has had the opportunity to work with many farmers throughout the region for decades. Gonzalo Suin is one of those farmers! Located in Pinas, Ecuador, close to the plantation of Jose Capa, Suin’s plantation is beautiful. He has different varieties of Arabica plants and sufficient shade to slow the maturation process. He cares for his plantation unlike any other farmer we have seen, constantly carrying around his machete. After a catastrophic fire burnt down his home in 2018, we decided to help out any way we can, raising money for him and donating basic supplies that would make his 2019 harvest easier. One of those supplies - a new, sharp machete.

  • Location

    Piñas, El Oro, Ecuador

  • Altitude

    4,000ft. above sea level

  • Process

    Washed & Natural Processes

  • Flavor

    Chocolate Notes

  • Other Crops

    Orange Trees

Herman Ochoa

We first met Herman at the processing facility in Pinas, Ecuador, during the summer of 2018. Herman came to process his coffee at the same facility where we were peeling our own coffee. We paused so Herman could begin peeling. As soon as he started, we saw his beautiful green coffee beans. The fresh fragrance was extremely powerful! Immediately, we knew this was a coffee that we had to take back to The States! The first batch of Herman Ochoa’s coffee arrived shortly after we met, docking at the port of Savannah in August of 2018.

  • Location

    San Pedro, Piñas, Ecuador

  • Altitude

    4,000ft. above sea level

  • Process

    Washed Processed

  • Flavor

    Dark Chocolate, Toffee

  • Other Crops

    Cacao, Oranges, Lemons, Bananas

José Capa

We first met Jose at the processing facility in Piñas, Ecuador, during the summer of 2018. Jose brought in his natural coffee to peel at the facility. Upon peeling, a fresh, powerful smell radiated throughout. It’s very difficult to find high quality natural processed coffees in Ecuador, so we knew this was the perfect partnership. We visited Jose’s farm and met his young daughter and wife. We were able to see Jose’s plantation and drying methods. He had cacao beans underneath his tarp where he was drying his coffee, symbolizing the power of micro-lot coffee plantations. The first batch of Jose’s coffee arrived to the States in August of 2018.

  • Location

    Nalacapa, Moromoro, Piñas, Ecuador

  • Altitude

    3,500ft. above sea level

  • Process

    Washed, Honey, & Natural Processes

  • Flavor

    Dark Chocolate

  • Other Crops

    Cacao, Oranges