9 - Finca Ohuapan - Mexico 2026 (Wet)

My name is Monika Frankenberger, and I hold a master’s degree in human rights. My deep love for the countryside and the people who cultivate it is a heritage passed down by my father and uncle, and fully shared with my husband, Senén. Today, my work takes place at our family estate, carefully nurturing every single coffee tree that thrives on this land. Together with Senén, we created the project known as Rancho El Separo. Located in the community of Ohuapan—a name our farm proudly shares—at an altitude of 1,400 meters above sea level in the municipality of Tlaltetela, Veracruz, we harvest our finest coffee cherries to be meticulously processed at Rancho El Separo.

Rancho El Separo was born out of the profound love for coffee shared by two producers: Monika and Senén. This family-driven project is a heartfelt tribute to more than three generations who dedicated their lives to coffee farming, created with the sole purpose of preserving that legacy. In 2021, driven by curiosity, a deep love for our crop, and the urgent need to innovate against modern agricultural adversities—such as crop pests and severe market price volatility—we made the definitive decision to dive into the world of specialty coffee to counteract these market challenges.

Our constant hard work, the affection we pour into everything we do, and the strength of our family have always opened doors for us. For us, every recognition in the Cup of Excellence represents another vital step toward positioning our coffee on an international level. More importantly, it is a validation of our continuous dedication and the hard work of our estate and wet mill collaborators, who are truly committed to the project and remain a fundamental piece in achieving these prestigious awards.