The history of the Urrutia family estate dates back to 1875, when Juan Urrutia planted the first coffee trees. At high altitude, in the volcanic soil of what is now the Finca El Ingenio farm, the first crop of 27 bags was grown. Over time, the farm expanded and the family worked hard to improve quality year after year. Until 2001 they exported as part of a cooperative, and in 2002 they started exporting themselves.
They now own three farms, El Ingenio, San Ernesto and Las Canoas, as well as a separate beneficio for dry and wet processing near Atiquizaya. It processes all of their own production, with around 30 % of the capacity going to neighbouring farms.
The family business is now run by the sixth generation – Enrique, Rene and Gustav – and their father Gustav is still working as an advisor, so they can benefit from his experience. Over the years, they have reached the finals of the Cup of Excellence competition 7 times, and won awards from trade bodies and national associations, such as Exporter of the Year in 2015 and in the top 5 in 2017.
All Urrutias Estate coffee varieties are grown in the shade, and the family plants indigenous tree species every year to prevent soil erosion. The farm is a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, so it is not surprising that it has been awarded Rainforest Alliance certification, and is home to a large number of resident and migratory birds, different species, mammals and insects. In total, there are more than 100 manzanas (about 170 acres) of natural forest.
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