26 - El Sile - Honduras 2024

Andres Fernandez relocated to his community as a young child due to his father's decision to purchase a farm in the mountains. He grew up assisting his father with the farm work, as it was his responsibility as the eldest child. By 1970, on the farm he managed to acquire, he began coffee production with Bourbon, Pacas, and Catuai varieties. However, after the division of the land among his sons from his first marriage, he was left with only a small plot.

In 2008, Andres managed to rebuild his life and discovered the Cup of Excellence (COE). He, along with two of his sons, spent two years preparing to participate. Their initial participation yielded excellent results with each of their individual farms. This success prompted them to invest in joint projects, such as establishing a coffee quality laboratory on their farm, managed by his younger son, Nahun, who supports him every step of the way.

Andres decided to participate in COE this year to showcase the work he has been doing with his sons. Initially planning to submit a honey Pacas, after tasting it, his son Nahun advised against it, deeming it not up to the standard required for COE. Disappointed but determined, Andres decided to submit his natural Parainema instead, which showed superior cupping results in the laboratory compared to those of his sons. He hopes that this achievement will sustain his family, including his supportive wife, and enable them to continue developing projects with his sons on the farm.