Mexico - Chiapas Nantic

The group comprises 385 women located in two remarkable coffee regions, often cited as the source of some of Mexico’s finest coffees: the Sierra and Frailesca regions. This coffee comes from a group of women producers in these regions of Chiapas, Mexico, and is offered through the Nantic program. These producers play a central role in the rural economy, often serving as heads of household and primary providers. For them, coffee cultivation represents both a livelihood and the continuation of family traditions, with farms frequently inherited and forming their main source of income. Nantic, meaning “our mother” in the Tzeltal Mayan language, recognizes indigenous women as custodians of cultural knowledge and key contributors to coffee production. The program brings together more than 380 producers, providing access to training, resources, and market opportunities through initiatives such as NKG Bloom and Rainforest Alliance certification, supporting long-term sustainability and resilience. The Frailesca region is an important economic area within Chiapas, traditionally known for cattle production, while its higher elevations are dedicated to crops such as coffee and corn. Its name traces back to the colonial period, when the area— particularly Villa Corzo—was governed by Dominican friars (frailes dominicos). Nearby, the Sierra region forms part of the Sierra Madre and extends toward the Guatemalan border, sharing microclimatic conditions with the mountains of Huehuetenango. Coffee is cultivated at high elevations, in some cases reaching up to 2,000 meters and higher near peaks such as Los Tres Picos. Grown under forest cover, with rich volcanic soils and diverse microclimates, these conditions contribute to the production of SHG coffees with clean, balanced profiles. Producers manage small farms averaging just over two hectares, cultivating varieties such as Typica, Bourbon, Caturra, Catuaí, Sarchimor, and Marsellesa. Cherries are hand-picked, then pulped, fully washed, and dried on patios or raised beds.