Specialty coffee producer Lester Francisco Marquez began growing coffee over ten years ago. His farm, El Gravileo, is named after the Silk Oak trees that are an important part of the land’s identity. It began with only two coffee trees, eventually expanding into the multitude of crops he has planted today.

Originally, Lester planned to cultivate the Parainema variety, starting with a greenhouse located a two-hour journey away on foot. However, due to the high elevation, the variety did not thrive, so Typica became the next option. Despite the elevation not being suitable for Parainema, the climate is cool and stable, which is ideal for slow cherry maturation, resulting in higher-quality cup profiles.

Cherries are harvested across El Gravileo and carried on foot for 40 minutes to Lester’s home, where he lives with his wife, Dima, and their son. This is also where the coffee is processed.

Rony Gamez and the Café Raga team connected Project Origin with Lester and also provide technical support and ongoing guidance to producers in Honduras. Café Raga supports producers at the cupping table as well, allowing Lester to learn more about different stages of the coffee value chain and how small adjustments can make a significant impact. It is a collaborative and proactive community, encouraging excellence and sharing knowledge to shape the cup profiles we experience today—and in the future.

When asked what he hopes to see in the specialty coffee industry, Lester said, “I hope the specialty coffee industry continues to recognise the hard work of producers. I would like to see more opportunities for training and development for farmers and their families so that we can continue improving both the quality and sustainability of our coffee.”