11 - Cooperativa Solidaridad - Nicaragua 2026 (Wet)

Until recently, Ramón’s routine was demanding and quiet: he sold his coffee to intermediaries for just US$1.50 per pound and carried his harvest on his back for more than 2 kilometers to the wet mill. Like many producers, he worked without realizing the true value his coffee could reach.

Encouraged by PRODECOOP, a Cup of Excellence 2025 partner in the country, he decided to enter a lot in the competition, with little expectation. What followed was unexpected: he earned second place in his category, and his coffee sold at auction for US$15 per pound—ten times what he used to receive.

But the true impact goes far beyond numbers.

His 9-year-old daughter was facing a serious health condition that required daily procedures, preventing her from attending school and steadily affecting her well-being. Thanks to this achievement, Ramón was able to afford the treatment that saved her life. Today, she is not only recovering, but has returned to school and has the chance to live like any other child.

With the income, Ramón also transformed his work: he invested in his farm, purchased a vehicle, and now not only transports his own coffee, but also supports other producers in his community.

In 2026, he returned to the competition and achieved 11th place with an 87.00-point washed Maracaturra. Today, his goal is clear: to continue improving the quality of his coffee and to take his daughter to Costa Rica to complete her treatment.

Ramón’s story is a powerful reminder that behind every lot there is a family, an effort, and a dream. Cup of Excellence does not only recognize exceptional coffee quality—it creates real opportunities for change. And with every bid, buyers are not only purchasing extraordinary coffee; they are becoming part of stories that transform lives.