El Cambalache
Samuel Zavala
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General Information
About the Farm
Abner Samuel Zavala is a third-generation coffee producer and agronomist from Somoto, Madriz, whose dedication to specialty coffee has driven him to develop some of the most exciting lots coming out of Nicaragua. Competing in the Cup of Excellence since 2018 with consistent top-10 finishes, he claimed the top prize at the 2025 Nicaragua COE — a milestone that reflects years of methodical work and unwavering passion. Samuel manages two farms in Dipilto, Nueva Segovia: El Cambalache, which he purchased ten years ago, and La Esperanza, inherited from his father in 2018. On both farms he has planted rare and exotic varieties — Sidra, Chiroso, Geisha, Bourbon Rosado, and Maracaturra — pursuing high-specialty profiles through unconventional processing methods that are setting a new standard for Nicaraguan coffee. Beyond his own farms, Samuel works actively to lift the entire region. As an agronomist he mentors small producers in cultivation and processing, and helps connect them with international buyers — turning individual success into collective progress. In his own words: “Dreams do come true, and the Cup of Excellence has helped me a lot with them.”
