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Despite lacking the reputation of other Central American coffee-growing countries, Honduras has quietly become the bigger producer, exporting more volume than any other nation in the region, and the seventh overall in the world for exports. While there is certainly quantity coming out of Honduras, it can be harder to find; the country lacks the infrastructure to support the more nuanced specialty market its neighbors enjoy.
Thankfully, the prominence of quality competitions and high-profile auctions such as the Cup of Excellence has inspired larger and wealthier producers to plant new varieties, experiment with processing, and make improvements to their technique and infrastructure. Increased research and extension services by IHCAFE have also contributed to heightened awareness of the specialty-coffee market among Honduran producers, and there is continued potential as media and social media attention increases on the nation.
Ernelio Ortiz owns and managed Finca El Pedrero in the Montecillos region of Honduras.
This 12 hectare farm is almost completely planted in coffee, with some smaller sections also have Aguacate or Avocado trees. Ernelio estimates he has roughly 56,000 coffee trees, mostly Catuai and IHCAFE 90 varieties.
