Mexico | San Mateo | Yoloxochitlán

Introducing San Mateo, a coffee that celebrates the remarkable coffee-growing traditions of Mexico while shining a light on important challenges at origin. Yoloxochitlán is one of the larger towns in the Sierra Mazateca region of Oaxaca, it is both a culturally and biologically diverse area. This region’s lush forests, misty hills and high mountains create the perfect ecosystem for cultivating exceptional coffee. It is a place deeply rooted in cultural traditions, with 92% of the population speaking indigenous languages. The region takes its name from the presence of the indigenous group, the Mazatec, or Ha Shuta Enima—“those who work the hills.”

The region faces high poverty and limited access to health and education, with small-scale agriculture as its main livelihood. Despite a strong coffee-growing tradition, coffee farming here faces significant challenges. Coffee leaf rust and limited resources have led to drastically low yields, with farmers averaging just 100kg of parchment per hectare. Many smallholder producers own less than two hectares, making coffee a vital but precarious livelihood.

Raw Material partners with producers in Oaxaca to improve profitability and sustainability. By paying well above market rates and offering quality bonuses, they have helped increase incomes by up to 10 times, providing essential support to marginalized farmers. Their meticulous sourcing process involves individually cupping and evaluating microlots, finding high quality and complex coffees that may have otherwise been lost.

This approach supports small producers and brings to light the extraordinary potential of the region. Yoloxochitlán’s steep terrain, traditional farming methods, and the dedication of its producers result in coffee with unmatched complexity. This washed lot is comprised of coffee from several producers in and around Yoloxochitlán and showcases real character. Expect a medium roast with notes of crisp white wine and muscovado sugar. A syrupy body and a touch of cacao give it a full mouthfeel, with balanced acidity and sweetness.