We spoke with Andrés Salaverría at the Las Cruces (Jasal) mill in El Salvador, about his family’s history in coffee, the evolution of the mill and the challenges that today mark production: technology, labor, global prices, climate and new regulations.

From tradition to focus on quality

Andrés belongs to the fifth generation of a coffee growing family. He grew up among farms and water piles, and in 2010 he formally joined the business. In 2004 the family added the Las Cruces mill and, after years of processing large volumes, in 2008 they changed their strategy: less volume, more quality and long-term sustainability.

A benefit with history… and technology

The heritage façade now coexists with a train of innovations: renovation of the pulped system, state-of-the-art guardiolas for controlled drying and electronic selection of defects. The next step is to expand the threshing capacity to feed the electronic line to the maximum and gain industrial efficiency without losing the character of the origin.

Efficiency that also takes care of people

Modernization has reduced repetitive tasks in the plant and improved production times. In the field, the great challenge is the labor force for harvesting. Jasal responds by dignifying the work: daily transportation, food and better conditions. At the peak of the Harvest, around 950 pickers were coordinated, reinforcing the link with the surrounding communities.

Farm renewal and production stability

The last four years have been marked by new plantings and agronomic management aimed at stabilizing yields between harvests. Objective: cup consistency and assured volume for microlots and differentiated profiles.

Pricing, specialty and projection

After a period of volatility in the markets, Andres defends specialty contracts and relationships as a tool to provide predictability to the Producer, importer and roaster. With high stock exchange prices, more roasters will look for differentiated coffees that offer sensory value and traceability at competitive prices.

Climate and regulations: constant adaptation

Unseasonal rains have required adjustments: choice of more tolerant varieties, increased shade and protocols for processing under rain if necessary. In terms of regulations, Jasal already works with geo-referenced polygons and certifications aligned with EUDR, reinforcing transparency and compliance.

A country that changes… and a Coffee that tells the tale

The best security context in El Salvador has restored confidence to Producers and visitors. For Andrés, the future lies in constant quality, working with communities and a benefit that unites history, efficiency and service to the end customer.