Huipil - Mexico

Our Huipil lot comes from the Sierra de Flores Magón in Oaxaca, a region famous for producing highly sought-after coffee in Mexico. It’s made using traditional methods with minimal or no chemical inputs.

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.

This lot is named after a traditional garment from the state of Oaxaca, known as the Huipil. The term comes from the Nahuatl word "huipilli," which means blouse or decorated dress. Its origins date back to pre-Hispanic times, but it is still worn today.