TEJAO - WASHED - MEXICO

Tejao was produced by Mazatec indigenous people living in the Sierra de Flores Magón, in northern Oaxaca.

The region produces one of the most in-demand coffees in Mexico and is notable for implementing ancestral production techniques with little to no use of agrochemicals.

The coffee growers in the Sierra Mazateca implement traditional polyculture systems, combining coffee plants with fruit and timber trees. They also use the milpa system, planting corn alongside other crops, and maintain organic farming practices influenced by their worldview.

Despite its potential, the region faces challenges such as low remuneration from intermediaries, low yields per hectare, and road infrastructure issues that hinder mobility and field operations.

To support Mazatec producers, Ensambles established a warehouse and laboratory in Huautla de Jiménez, Oaxaca, in 2021. Under the leadership of field technician Osiris Martínez, the team organises and trains coffee producers throughout the year in sustainable agricultural practices. During the harvest, the Quality Control Team evaluates coffee samples to ensure fair prices aligned with the quality of the beans. They also provide personalised feedback so that producers can improve in future harvests.