Transparency begins at the source – on our own farm in Guatemala
The first coffee roastery in Tegernsee acquires another coffee research project in the Motagua Valley in Guatemala.
We are now taking the final step towards complete “Coffee Transparency” – and launching a unique research project with another plot of land we own on a coffee farm in Guatemala. This dream is currently taking shape in the southern highlands of Guatemala – and it is a truly unique project: a piece of land on the Finca “El Gigante”, which, as a “research plot” of the First Tegernsee Coffee Roastery, is intended to one day produce the best coffee in Guatemala.
Where passion meets hard work, something truly remarkable can emerge. Such is the case at the extraordinary "El Gigante" farm in the Motagua Valley of Guatemala. Founded more than 30 years ago by Osvaldo Suchini, the farm's well-defined rainy seasons and sometimes significant temperature fluctuations at the foot of Mount "El Gigante" provide ideal conditions for producing unique coffee specialties.
- Plot Name: ETK Research Plot MBE4
- Plot size: 1.0 ha
- Mounting height: 1,650 m
- Relief (gradient): 25-35%
- Average temperature: 13 – 23°C
- Annual rainfall: 1,150 millimeters
- Soil type: Andosol (volcanic in origin), fertile, sandy loam, silty sand, slightly acidic, pH 4.7-5.7 (sand: 38-49%, silt: 31-33%, clay: 20-24%)
- Floor care: mulched corn stalks
- Variety: Bourbon SL28
- Plant density per hectare: 2777
- Average yield (kg/ha): 1921.4
- Average yield per tree (kg/ha): 0.69
- Year of cultivation: 1960
- Shade trees (15-20%): Australian silver oak, fig trees, Indian ash
- Problems, pests: coffee berry disease (CBD), coffee berry borer
- Preparation: washed, honey, natural – with a focus on honey
- Harvest: May - September
- Target Cupping Score: 90+ points
I am Osvaldo Suchini from Finca El Gigante, which is located in the village of El Durazno in Chiquimula, Guatemala.
This is the third consecutive year of working with ETK and it has been a very enriching experience allowing us to grow as coffee producers and develop a friendship with Mario. As a result, we have decided to develop a special batch from the Yellow Bourbon variety. You will be able to enjoy this in an extraordinary cup of coffee.
Besides that, I started the plantation in the early 90's and I am pleased to produce high quality coffee, which is very much appreciated all over the world. I am very happy that El Gigante coffee can be enjoyed in Germany through our friend Mario Felix Liebold and his roastery ETK.
Don Osvaldo Suchini
From Guatemala to Germany
The story of El Gigante
Excellence, Care & Integrity
"El Gigante" is among the best farms in Guatemala – and stands for exceptional quality. This begins with the meticulous harvest: Each cherry is individually hand-picked, carefully sorted, and taken to the wet mill in the center of the estate. Before processing, the coffee passes through a siphon and a sieve, where only the best cherries are selected. After fermenting for 24 hours, they are washed and slowly and carefully dried in partial shade.
Founder Osvaldo Suchini is particularly concerned about the people of the region. For this reason, he employs only local workers for the farm – and places great emphasis on equality. This is an issue where significant inequality still exists in Guatemala.
Sustainability & Passion
More than 40 hectares of the farm consist of natural, pristine forest with native tree species, under which the coffee plants can grow in the shade under perfect conditions. Production is sustainable at all levels. For example, in the wet processing method, the same water is reused for the different cycles on a single day.
The "El Gigante" farm is a special place of value creation and sustainability for everyone in the region. For this reason, the employees are particularly motivated to produce the best coffees in the country. With our Yellow Bourbon, they have once again impressively succeeded.
