Marcelino Chinguel is a second generation coffee farmer who, along with his wife Grimanes, owns a 6 hectare farm in la Coipa where they grow exclusively Marshell variety. Situated at an altitude of 1800 to 1900 meters above sea level, their farm benefits from nutrient-rich soils and a cool, humid climate—conditions ideal for producing premium quality coffee. Marcelino and Grimanes manage the farm with the help of permanent staff who handle day-to-day operations, including manual weeding and fertilization using a blend of chemical fertilizers and organic manures. Their family, including children Franklin and Jhon, actively participates in coffee competitions, winning the Cup of Excellence in 2019 and consistently ranking in the top 10. Since 2021, they’ve also produced naturals, finding that this processing method maintains quality over time. They meticulously pick, wash, and float ripe cherries before drying them on raised beds for 30-40 days, adjusting based on weather conditions. After two weeks of storage, the coffee undergoes cupping at Chacra Coffee’s warehouse and is stored in GrainPro bags.

The Marshel coffee variety’s origins remain a mystery, with some believing it to be an unidentified mutation of the Bourbon varietal, while others claim it to be Costa Rica 95. Whether it resulted from a deliberate hybridization that escaped cultivation or a spontaneous mutation is uncertain. Marcelino Chinguel and his wife, Grimanes discovered this variety by chance on their farm, La Lucuma. Initially unnoticed, its true potential was recognized when it proved to be stronger and more resistant against diseases, prompting the couple to plant more of it on their land. Recognizing its unique attributes and exceptional qualities, they chose to cultivate Marshel exclusively. Their confidence in its excellence led Marcelino and Lizana to enter their coffee in the prestigious Peru Cup of Excellence competition, winning in 2019 to their surprise.