Geisha is the most sought after and awarded coffee varietal in the world. With the awards come great interest, and inevitably, high demand. We search for Geishas, from our farm partners that are truly spectacular, approachable, and make sense for us to offer. This Geisha is one of those coffees. Fourth-generation Santa Felisa Farm owner Anabella Meneses has a Master's degree in Agronomy and is an expert in post-harvest processing techniques. This particular Geisha was shade-grown and harvested by hand at the peak of ripeness. It was processed Naturally, meaning the cherry stayed intact on the bean while drying.
Anabella Meneses, talks The Cup of Excellence® competition from the farmer's point of view:
Video credit: Brett Renville
Our Relationship with Anabella and her Team
Jeff (Zoka Founder/CEO) first met Anabella through a friend in the coffee world. Since then, he's visited her farm six times. And applauded her through Santa Felisa's Cup of Excellence® wins. The cupping table at Santa Felisa Farm is one of Jeff's favorite places. (below in March 2023)
While the coffees are absolutely fantastic, Santa Felisa is also very committed to the children in their community. Until Covid caused it to temporarily close, Santa Felisa and their coffee partners ran and financially supported a day school in the nearby town. Schools in Guatemala were still closed when the above video was filmed in March 2022. During that time, Santa Felisa encouraged mother's to bring their children with them to the Farm and Santa Felisa supplies a teacher to be with the students during the harvest season.
The History of Santa Felisa Farm
Established in 1904, Santa Felisa has maintained the founding values of integrity, quality, loyalty and justice. The farm is now run by the fourth generation siblings under the guidance of the visionary agronomist, ecologist & Q-Grader Anabella Meneses. Anabella and her brother Antonio are multiple-time Cup of Excellence® winners, including first place for Guatemala in 2017. Anabella has a Master's Degree in Agronomy.