Rigoberto Dominguez - Guatemala

Country:  Guatemala

Region:  San Marcos

Municipality:  San Miguel Ixtahuacán

Altitude/Elevation:  5,200 – 5,900 ft

Grower:  Rigoberto Dominguez

Characteristics/Species:  Bourbon, Catuaí, Caturra, Pache

Flavor Profile:  Rich, full-bodied with notes of chocolate and fruit.

Generations in the Making

For Rigoberto Dominguez and his community in San Miguel Ixtahuacán, coffee is more than just a crop—it's a path to independence. For over 30 years, Rigoberto's family worked tirelessly on coffee farms, gaining invaluable knowledge that would one day fuel their own ventures. When the community faced low returns, Rigoberto and 10 other farmers came together to form ACMI in 2010. With a shared vision for better opportunities, they sought to break free from the stranglehold of local "coyotes" and take control of their coffee’s future.

Coffee that Elevates the Community

ACMI began with just 11 members but now counts 470 small growers among its ranks. Their cooperative represents not only a means to pool resources and knowledge but a chance to transform the economic landscape of their region. Through careful agroforestry, traditional sun-drying methods, and the establishment of their own mill, ACMI has taken control of the entire coffee production process. Rigoberto’s farm exemplifies this collective success, producing a Strictly Hard Bean coffee of exceptional quality. Their dedication to growing their own coffee allows Rigoberto and his peers to preserve their ancestral lands, offering a rich and unique coffee experience that is also empowering their community.

The Fertile Highlands of San Miguel Ixtahuacán

Nestled high in the Guatemalan highlands, San Miguel Ixtahuacán’s microclimates create perfect conditions for coffee cultivation. Once a place where locals grew subsistence crops and sought work far from home, the community has reclaimed their future through coffee. Their skillful blend of artisanal knowledge and modern techniques has helped them thrive, even as global coffee prices fluctuated. Today, ACMI’s commitment to producing the highest quality coffee serves as a beacon of hope for the region.

A Partnership Rooted in Growth

SoZo Coffee’s collaboration with Rigoberto and ACMI isn’t just about importing exceptional coffee—it’s about nurturing a relationship built on shared goals and mutual respect. By working with ACMI, SoZo Coffee has helped them expand access to the U.S. market, bypassing middlemen and ensuring fair prices for their hard-earned crop. The growth of ACMI from a small cooperative to an organization supporting nearly 500 growers highlights the transformative power of coffee when cultivated with passion and purpose.

The Impact on the Land and the People

SoZo Coffee’s involvement has helped ACMI secure USDA recommendations and recognition for their sustainable practices. This has had a ripple effect across the region, allowing small growers to support their families, reinvest in their land, and ensure a thriving coffee culture for future generations. For Rigoberto, it’s a story of resilience, vision, and a deep connection to his people and the land they have farmed for generations.


Some Highlights and Additional Information

• Rigoberto’s farm sits at over 5,200 feet, producing top-quality Strictly Hard Bean coffee.
  
  
• ACMI started with 11 members and now represents 470 local growers.
  
  
• The cooperative’s coffee is sun-dried on traditional patios, preserving its unique flavors.
  
  
• SoZo Coffee’s partnership has provided direct access to the U.S. market, allowing growers to bypass exploitative middlemen.
  
  
• ACMI’s efforts have been recognized by the USDA for sustainable and organic practices.
  
  
• Their work supports hundreds of local families, ensuring a future for coffee cultivation in San Miguel Ixtahuacán.

This is more than just coffee—it’s the story of a community reclaiming its future, one bean at a time. 

 

Shop Rigoberto Dominguez's single origin coffee San Marcos