El Salvador - Finca San Antonio - Natural Pacas Transparency Report

Carlos Pola is a third-generation Salvadoran coffee producer whose work blends family heritage with data-driven innovation. Though raised among the coffee farms of western El Salvador, his early career was in the textile industry, where he developed expertise in quality control and efficient process management. In 1997 he purchased Finca Las Brisas, and by 2012 he transitioned fully into coffee, today managing three legacy farms—Finca San Antonio, Finca Las Brisas, and Finca San Roque—established by his family in the early 1900s. These farms lie in Santa Ana at roughly 1,400 meters, an area known for fertile volcanic soils and cool microclimates ideal for high-quality arabica.

Pola’s approach centers on regenerative agriculture, environmental efficiency, and transparent quality improvement. He addresses regional water scarcity by reducing dependence on washed processing methods and investing in natural and experimental fermentation techniques. His farms maintain biodiversity through multi-line plantings of Pacas, Pacamara, Parainema, and more than 20 experimental hybrids, improving genetic resilience and micro-lot differentiation. Worker education, community support, and open sharing of specialty practices with neighboring producers further extend his impact beyond his own boundaries.

Finca San Antonio’s signature offering is its natural-processed Pacas, a variety native to El Salvador and representing about a quarter of national production. Pola employs strict cherry selection and controlled drying on shaded raised beds to lower water use and stabilize fermentation. This method produces a cup profile known for blackberry and tropical fruit notes, caramel sweetness, and a chocolate-hazelnut finish. The process strengthens both environmental sustainability and flavor consistency, contributing to growing recognition for Salvadoran specialty coffee.

Through these practices, Carlos Pola provides transparent, measurable improvements in quality, sustainability, and community resilience across his farms and the wider region.

COFFEE INFORMATION

Farmer-first Information

We take a farmer-first approach, partnering with family-owned farms to ensure fair compensation and thriving communities. Coffee isn’t just a crop—it’s a livelihood. Since most of the world’s coffee comes from families, not corporations, every bag we share reflects their dedication, sustainable practices, and craft—making each sip unique and meaningful. We also push for full transparency on farm gate pricing—the price paid directly to farmers—to ensure they reap the rewards of high-quality production and sustainable agriculture.