Coffee with Belgian Roots from Usulután

The Samayoa Denys family has been cultivating coffee for over 100 years in the California region of Usulután, eastern El Salvador. The brand name L’Étranger – French for “the outsider” – pays homage to Belgian immigrant Jules Denys, who discovered his passion for coffee in El Salvador at the end of the 19th century. Since 1913, the farm has remained in family hands and is now run by his great-grandson Ernesto Samayoa Denys, together with his wife Liza and their son Rodrigo.

The farms La Vega and La Belgica form the heart of L’Étranger – a brand that stands for origin, quality, and long-term commitment.

Careful Cultivation & Modern Processing

On 175 hectares, varieties such as Cuscatleco, Red and Pink Kenibon, Bourbon, Pacamara, and Yellow Icatu thrive under shade trees like Inga and other native species. A registered forest area helps protect biodiversity and the microclimate.

The farm is located at 1,050 meters above sea level, with volcanic-clay soils, temperatures ranging from 15–28 °C, and around 2,000 mm of annual rainfall – ideal conditions for producing complex, well-balanced coffees.

Harvesting is done by hand, in multiple passes between November and February. At the farm’s own wet mill, beans are processed with great care – washed, honey, natural, or natural anaerobic – depending on the variety and desired flavor profile.

The result: clean cups with fruity notes, hints of chocolate, and pronounced sweetness – all shaped by the region’s mineral-rich terroir.

One Family, One Project, One Vision

For over a century, the Samayoa family has stood for sustainable and responsible coffee cultivation. The next generation brings not only fresh ideas but also a strong sense of social responsibility: through the Coffee HOPE Project, the family supports neighboring small-scale producers, promotes knowledge exchange, fair pricing, and access to international markets.

L’Étranger unites origin, quality, and responsibility – with a clear vision for the future.