1 - El Pimporro - Honduras 2026 (Honduras Exotic)

**Francisco Alvarado**

For over 20 years, Francisco Alvarado Gómez has dedicated his life to producing coffee, spending more than a decade meticulously mastering the art of specialty coffee. Four years ago, he embraced the challenge of the delicate Geisha variety, learning to nurture it every step of the way, from a fragile seed to the extraordinary final cup. His ultimate dream was always to participate in the Cup of Excellence (COE) and achieve a ranking that would open doors to the international market. After securing 18th place in 2024, Francisco reached the pinnacle in the 2026 edition, winning first place in the Honduras Exótica category.

With profound humility, Francisco expresses deep gratitude to God and to the IHCAFE technicians whose unconditional support has been his anchor. Their guidance and trust kept him firmly on the path to this monumental success. He also highlights his vital partnership with Ronny Gamez, a renowned Honduran cupper, whose collaboration was crucial for developing and marketing his coffee. It was through this partnership that Francisco acquired the precious Geisha seeds. Upon receiving the lot, Francisco cared for it with extraordinary devotion, seeking the exceptional results that this high-potential variety can offer.

His journey in the specialty coffee world is a true testament to relentless effort and dedication. Beyond his farm, Francisco is a pillar of his community; despite facing severe challenges like poor local roads, he joined forces with fellow producers to physically improve the infrastructure connecting their community to commercial hubs during the demanding harvest seasons. Looking ahead, Francisco remains committed to expanding his agricultural knowledge. He aims to consistently produce exceptional coffee that meets COE standards and delights the palates of the most demanding international buyers. Achieving first place has only strengthened his conviction: he knows he must work even harder now to remain at the absolute top of specialty coffee production.