Story
In southern Ecuador, the canton of Puyango lies between the provinces of Loja and Zamora. This area holds great historical significance due to the presence of the indigenous Paltas culture, known for its brave resistance against the Inca Empire and its strong agricultural traditions. Today, Puyango is recognized for its specialty coffee production. One of the defining features of coffee farms in this region is their integrated management approach. The use of chemical fertilizers is minimal, as coffee growers typically rely on organic compost made from pruning and pulping byproducts, which are rich in organic material.
On the other hand, Zamora is known for its rich biodiversity due to its proximity to the Amazon Rainforest, famous for its exotic flowers and native bird species. The region is home to unique flora and fauna, and its inhabitants actively work to protect the environment, as agriculture is their main source of income. Zamora boasts remarkable natural beauty and a strong indigenous cultural heritage, influenced by the historical presence of Inca ethnic groups.
Another key aspect of coffee producers in this area—and the inspiration behind the brand name “Meliponas”—is honey production. Farmers raise meliponas, a type of stingless bee that is easy to manage, allowing beehives to be kept among coffee plants and near their homes. These producers have formed an association, also named Meliponas, dedicated to honey commercialization, providing an additional source of income. In fact, the canton of Puyango declared melipona bees National Heritage in September 2019. These bees feed on coffee flowers and play a crucial role in pollinating both coffee and fruit trees on the farms.
