Meet Our Producer Alex Reynoso: A Story of Resilience, Legacy, and Exceptional Coffee

At Quetzal Coffee, our mission is rooted in more than just great coffee, and it’s our honor to begin by introducing you to Alex Reynoso and his remarkable family.

Alex isn’t just a coffee producer. He’s a father, a community leader, and a symbol of strength, courage, and resilience. Despite facing unimaginable adversity, Alex has remained deeply committed to cultivating some of the highest-quality coffee in the lush highlands of Mataquescuintla, Jalapa, Guatemala.

So, why coffee?

For Alex, coffee is more than a crop. It’s a celebration of life, a tribute to the land, and a reflection of a deep-rooted connection to agriculture passed down through generations. His family has tended these lands for decades, nurturing both the soil and the spirit of their community. But their journey has not been without struggle.

The very land that nurtures these coffee trees has been under threat. Canadian mining operations have endangered the area’s environment and water supply, jeopardizing both the community and the ecosystems they depend on. Alex and his daughter, Topacio, bravely stood up against these threats. In 2014, their activism made them targets. A violent ambush took Topacio’s life at just 16 years old and left Alex in a coma. Topacio was a passionate young activist with a deep love for her town, the earth, and the coffee her family grew.

Her legacy lives on.

Each year, the Reynoso family honors Topacio’s memory, celebrating the brave young woman who stood up for what she believed in. Her spirit continues to inspire the work they do, growing coffee with care, integrity, and a profound sense of purpose.

At Quetzal Coffee, we are proud to partner with Alex and support his vision for sustainable, high-quality coffee. Our goal is to help his family reinvest in their farm and reach new heights in the specialty coffee world. And this year, that dream is already taking flight: Alex has just been named a top 30 finalist in Guatemala’s 2025 Cup of Excellence for his stunning Marsellesa varietal – a testament to his skill, persistence, and passion.

We can’t wait to share his coffee, and his story, with you.

To learn more about Alex, his family and the community of Mataquescuintla, check out this article by the LA Times.