Juan Reanda - Guatemala

Country:  Guatemala

Region:  Sololá

Municipality:  Santiago Atitlán

Altitude/Elevation:  5,500 – 5,600 ft

Characteristics/Species:  Bourbon, Catuaí, Caturra

Flavor Profile:  Light citric, aromatic, full-bodied

Juan Reanda's Lake Atitlan coffee is one of two coffees featured in our Beast From The East and Black Bear blends. Lake Atitlan is also available as a single origin, only available for purchase in our cafe. 


A Vision Rooted in Culture

Juan Reanda, founder of CoopeAtitlán, isn’t just a coffee farmer—he’s a teacher, mentor, and cultural ambassador for the Tzutuil Mayan community in Santiago Atitlán. Driven by a passion for his people and a desire to preserve their traditions, Juan started the cooperative in 2015 with the goal of creating sustainable opportunities for local youth, ensuring they could build a future in their own land rather than seeking work elsewhere. A teacher by profession and a farmer by heritage, Juan’s life revolves around educating his community about both academics and agriculture. His dual role as a teacher and cooperative manager allows him to shape not only the quality of coffee but also the future of Santiago.

Coffee with a Purpose

Juan’s coffee isn’t just a product—it’s a lifeline for his community. Founded with a clear vision of breaking away from the exploitative practices of local coffee buyers, known as coyotes, Juan and his team set out to create a self-sustaining cooperative. Through workshops and environmental training, they’ve embraced organic practices, improving both the quality and yield of their harvest. Each cup of coffee carries with it the spirit of Santiago, a community striving to maintain its heritage while innovating for a better tomorrow.

The Land of Three Volcanoes

Perched between three majestic volcanoes and nestled alongside the stunning Lake Atitlán, Santiago’s unique microclimate allows for the perfect conditions to grow high-quality coffee. At an altitude of over a mile high, the region enjoys steady rains and cool breezes that enhance the complexity of the coffee’s flavors. But beneath the idyllic landscape lies a history of economic hardship, with many young people migrating due to a lack of opportunities. Thanks to Juan’s efforts, coffee is becoming the key to keeping his people rooted in their homeland.

A Collaborative Future with SoZo Coffee Roasting

When SoZo Coffee Roasting partnered with Juan and the cooperative, the collaboration was more than just about coffee—it was about learning and growth. By providing support with infrastructure, such as helping to acquire a dry mill, SoZo Coffee has empowered Juan’s cooperative to take control of their entire coffee production process, from seed to export. Through this partnership, we are not only bringing high-quality coffee to Michigan but also fostering a direct trade relationship that uplifts the local community.

Transforming Lives, One Bean at a Time

The impact of SoZo Coffee involvement extends beyond coffee. By providing tools, knowledge, and support, we have helped Juan and his cooperative improve their agricultural practices and secure fairer prices for their coffee. The ripple effect is felt throughout Santiago, where over 100 people are employed during the harvest season, supporting more than 50 local families. Together, they are creating a brighter, more sustainable future for generations to come.


Some Highlights and Additional Information

• Juan’s cooperative is driven by the desire to keep the Tzutuil Mayan youth in Santiago through sustainable coffee farming.
  
  
• SoZo Coffee’s partnership has provided Juan’s cooperative with vital infrastructure, including a dry mill for processing.
  
  
• CoopeAtitlán’s coffee has a beautiful citric flavor profile, enhanced by the unique microclimate of Lake Atitlán.
  
  
• Juan’s farm employs over 100 workers during harvest, supporting 50+ local families.
  
  
• SoZo Coffee has played a key role in improving the cooperative’s coffee quality and economic sustainability.

Every cup of Juan’s coffee represents resilience, tradition, and a partnership that is helping to create lasting change in Santiago Atitlán.