Aristobulo Manco FW

Producer Jose Aristobulo Manco Manco has shown incredible dedication to improving his coffee quality. He grew up on a coffee farm and learned coffee cultivation and processing from his father. He attends as many trainings as he can and uses his mastery to improve his processes.

Aristobulo selectively handpicks cherry and pulps it the same day. He ferments cherry for 14 hours and then washed it in clean water. He lays parchment to dry on marquesinas, drying shelves on the roof of his house. Aristobulo rakes parchment frequently to ensure even drying.

Located in the Andes Mountain range, Antioquia has a wealth of microclimates. The change in microclimates is visible to naked eye by watching the roadside vegetation changing along a drive on winding mountain roads. Thanks to the humid climate and high altitudes near 2,000 meters above sea level, there’s pretty amazing and diverse coffees to be found.  

Sergio Fajardo, governor of Antioquia department, is determined to prove just how remarkable Antioquia is. He launched a campaign that invests in educating people across all stratas of society. Everywhere you drive in Antioquia, you’ll see banners and stickers that proudly declare “Antioquia, la más educada.” The phrase translates directly to: “Antioquia, the most educated” and it highlights that Antioquia is the most educated department in Colombia. The focus on education in Antioquia translates into a focus on sharing knowledge that can improve coffee production and quality.  

Widespread education in Antioquia directly affects coffee quality. The first phase of Fajardo’s program is focused on coffee. Coffee is the most important source of revenue for the region. The program focuses on making more traditional farmers aware of new farming practices, of more ecologically responsible methods, new varieties, and so on. The goal is to improve the general quality of the coffee produced in the region and to inspire the younger generations to follow in their parents’ footsteps.