From Bean to Business: A Story of Passion and Preservation
Buenos Dias, Beautiful Humans!
Every great business begins with planting a seed… sometimes quite literally. In Maricao, Puerto Rico, the influence of specialty coffee is a living legacy that carries generations of stories, from moments of glory to seasons of hardship. Yet none of these challenges have stopped US from overcoming the odds to deliver the most sought after single-origin Puerto Rican coffee in a fast-changing world. At Hacienda Iluminada, we are committed not only to producing the best coffee, but also to preserving the tradition that makes it truly LEGENDARY.
-If it’s good for EARTH it’s GOOD for YOU
Persevering Through Hurricanes
Puerto Rico’s tropical climate, while ideal for growing specialty coffee, also leaves the land vulnerable to hurricanes. The devastation of Hurricane Maria in 2017 is still felt today, as many farms in our surrounding communities continue to recover from damaged soil, lost crops, and broken infrastructure. The high winds and heavy rainfall destroyed many coffee trees, and was serious setback for a plant that takes 3-5 years to mature and bear coffee fruits. This caused instability in both production and supply.
Hacienda Iluminada's Proactive Solution: Resilience is part of the Puerto Rican DNA, and instead of relying on outside support, we’ve built a model of vertical integration and self-sufficiency. From planting seed, to growing with love, to making a medium roast perfection, and lastly delivering it to YOUR home. Our Farm-to-Cup method allows us to fund our own recovery efforts immediately, whether it's replanting trees or repairing infrastructure. We can reinvest in our land and our team without waiting for outside support. Doing everything in house WE can ensure a steady supply of freshly roasted Puerto Rican coffee beans to YOU.
The Threat of Coffee Rust
There is a widespread fear in the coffee world. Our beloved Arabica coffee species could be on a path toward extinction due to coffee rust. Arabica is the most commercially used coffee bean in the world it makes up to 60% to 70% of the world's coffee production and consumption This destructive fungus can wipe out entire plantations, This is more than a disease, it threatens the future of specialty coffee worldwide, and will completely change the way humanity will drink coffee FOREVER.
Hacienda Iluminada's Proactive Solution: We are not standing still in the face of this threat. While the industry debates the future of Arabica, we are actively researching and cultivating different coffee varieties. Our focus has turned to Robusta, a more resilient coffee variant that is resistant to this fungal disease. Our team is dedicated to perfecting new farming and processing techniques to grow and develop Robusta cherries that can stand on their own while still retaining the rich, iconic dark chocolate, citrus, and buttery notes our farm is known for. Our ongoing innovative approach allows us to secure brighter future for Hacienda Iluminada, diversify our specialty coffee, and ensure that we maintain consistency of producing the best coffee endures.
Inconsistent Harvesting: A Battle with the Weather
Coffee harvesting is a delicate process highly dependent on consistent weather. Too much rain can cause ripe cherries to fall and rot, while a lack of rain can stunt the coffee beans' growth. This variability directly affects the quality and yield of each harvesting season, which can create a challenge in maintaining a consistent supply of our specialty coffee beans.
Hacienda Iluminada's Proactive Solution: Methods we use to solve this problem is we invested in smart irrigation systems through data-driven farming practices. We monitor soil moisture and weather patterns to make precise decisions about when and how to water our coffee tress. We also believe in the power of the human element, and hand-pick every single perfectly ripe coffee cherries ensuring the best are chosen for roasting. By avoiding mechanical harvesting, which can collect unripe or damaged coffee cherries, we minimize waste and ensure that every small batch of our freshly roasted coffee is consistent and flavorful.
Tariffs and Global Competition
As a U.S. territory, we are not subject to the same tariffs as international producers. However, the global coffee market is dominated by giants like Brazil, whose massive production volumes set global prices and create immense pressure US the smaller, local coffee producers. This competition makes it difficult for us to grow, despite our high quality coffee beans.
Hacienda Iluminada's Proactive Solution: We have chosen to bypass the global commodity market entirely by selling directly to YOU. Through our farm-to-cup model, we eliminate middlemen and create a direct relationship with our supporters. This allows us to set a fair price for our specialty coffee beans, valuing our unique story and quality over competing on a global scale. This has helped us wave our flag proudly, showing that Puerto Rican specialty coffee is being distributed across the globe, while also ensuring that every cup of freshly roasted coffee directly supports our farm and the community of Maricao.
Stop waiting! Step into our fields, our roastery, and our story. Tour spots available now! tap on link below
If it’s GOOD for earth, it is GOOD FOR YOU!
Growing Greatness
From the threat of hurricanes to the pressures of global markets, the challenges facing us are significant. Yet, we show that innovation, resilience, and the passion of our dedicated team overcome any obstacle. By being proactive from the lessons we learned from the university of Hurricane Maria. We have found systems and methods to continue producing the best coffee, but also ensuring that Puerto Rico's coffee legacy endures for generations to come.
Support a legacy. Book your tour today.
-We hope to see YOU SOON!
Experience the Best! Visit Puerto Rico’s Premier Coffee Farm!
Come see the Maricao Mountains for yourself. Walk through volcanic soil, listen to the springs that feed the farm, and taste coffee grown with integrity. Whether you’re here for a tour or to take home a bag, Hacienda Iluminada offers a taste of Puerto Rico you’ll never forget.
From our hands on Hacienda Iluminada to your cup, 787 Coffee is on a mission to redefine what it means to drink Puerto Rican coffee.
We grow every single bean ourselves.
We practice real sustainable farming—no greenwashing, just love for the land.
Every sip you take supports local farmers, protects our forests, and keeps our coffee legacy alive for the next generation.
Ready for the trip of a lifetime? Come to Maricao. Walk the fields. Smell the fresh-roasted beans. Feel the heartbeat of Puerto Rico in every single cup.
👉 Ready to taste the tradition? Book your unforgettable Hacienda Iluminada coffee tour today at HaciendaIluminada.com!