The story of Finca Arbelia began in 1942 when Enrique Topke, a man with a vision for verdant fields and bountiful harvests, bought the land. It was a modest beginning, with cattle grazing and corn swaying in the breeze, and only a small patch dedicated to the Bourbon coffee variety.

As the years passed, the farm saw a transformation under the careful watch of Manfredo Topke, Enrique’s grandson. In 1984, at the young age of 28, Manfredo took over the reins and steered the farm towards a future rich with coffee. He introduced new, better-yielding varieties like Catuai, Caturra, Mundo Novo, and Tekisic, and later, in response to the menacing coffee rust, he planted rust-resistant varieties such as Sarchimor, Anacafe 14, and Pacamara.

But the true magic began when Camila Topke, Manfredo’s daughter, infused the farm with her passion and knowledge. During her time from 2013 through 2017, she not only led the farm but also served as vice president of the International Women’s Coffee Alliance (IWCA) Guatemala chapter. She brought with her the wisdom of organic farming, increased shade coverage, and new sustainability standards that would echo through the generations.

The farm, now 70 percent coffee and 30 percent forest, is a testament to the family’s dedication to the environment and their community. With running water, electricity, efficient wood stoves, and a tradition of gifting children at Christmas, Finca Arbelia is more than just a farm; it’s a home to all who work there. They even hold an annual grafting competition with a monetary prize, celebrating the skill and contribution of the farm’s women grafters.”