Know Your Farmers: Meet Petrona Perez

For over four years, we’ve had the privilege of partnering with Petrona Perez and her farm as one of our main producers. Our journey began at a farmer empowerment workshop, where Ashley Prentice, our founder, was introduced to Petrona Perez and had a chance to try her microlot specialty coffee. Once Ashley had a taste of her coffee, she knew it had to be part of our menu. At the time, her farm was facing financial hardship, with prices falling below production costs so Gento Coffee added her beans to our line-up. By offering stable pricing with quality premiums, we’ve been able to support Petrona and her family in achieving greater financial stability as well as improving conditions on the farm.

Nestled in the picturesque foothills of the Cuchumatanes Mountains in Guatemala's Western Highlands, Petrona’s 5-acre coffee farm stands as a testament to her passion and perseverance. Together with her family, she produces some of the finest coffees using artisanal, labor-intensive methods passed down through generations.

Petrona's farm, Finca Satchibahl, is located in a village near Jacaltenango in the Huehuetenango region. Established by her mother twenty years ago, the farm’s name translates to "the fruit of the tree." Despite her young age, Petrona manages the small farm with meticulous care, consistently producing high-quality coffees year after year. 

The process of hand-washing, fermenting, and sun-drying the coffee is both time-consuming and physically demanding, but it reflects Petrona’s deep commitment to quality. Her careful attention to every stage of production results in beans renowned for their complex flavor profiles and consistently high specialty coffee scores.

This particular lot, a beautiful Bourbon variety, is no exception. After being meticulously hand-washed and fermented, the beans are sun-dried on patios, ensuring that each batch carries the unique flavor characteristics of Petrona’s farm and her dedication to the craft. 

At Gento, we’re committed to paying well above fair trade prices, empowering farmers like Petrona to sustain their traditional, hands-on methods. We believe that building sustainable, ethically-sourced partnerships is key to preserving the integrity and artistry of coffee.