"Almond, cane sugar, black tea, citrus."

UCCEI Cooperative

Founded in 2009 by coffee farmer and agronomist Kenia Ubeda, UCCEI unites several smaller cooperatives across Matagalpa, Nicaragua. Today, the second-tier cooperative includes 900+ smallholder members, and supports almost 5,000 family members. UCCEI specializes in Nicaraguan specialty coffee and exports consistent lots of organic, specialty-grade coffee beans.

Matagalpa, Nicaragua -- Coffee Origin

Matagalpa’s lush highlands (altitude1,100-1,350m) over fertile volcanic soils, steady rainfall, and cool temperatures ideal for cultivating co�ees with clarity and sweetness. Shade grown plots and mixed agroforestry help preserve biodiversity and soil health, yielding unroasted coffees with clean, balanced profiles that roasters have come to expect from Nicaragua’s northern mountain ranges.

How is Nicaraguan Coffee Graded?

Nicaragua commonly exports specialty lots under SHG (Strictly High Grown) and EP specifications. SHG denotes higher elevation—and typically denser, higher-quality beans—while EP indicates enhanced physical sorting and defect control. UCCEI’s organic washed lots align with these standards to deliver reliable, specialty-grade green coffee beans.