Roberto Carlos Dalton was a great visionary who influenced this new presentation from the beginning, which now transcends as a project and a family legacy. His grandfather, Manuel Matheu Sinibaldi, found in the late nineteenth century in the rich volcanic soil in Antigua Guatemala, at 5,000 feet above sea level, is the perfect setting to begin producing an Arabica bean of unquestionable quality.
Today, under the direction of the Dalton family, Finca Filadelfia has not only become an international benchmark of legacy and tradition, of excellence in each coffee bean, an extraordinary profile, which continues to develop with the same passion and dedication for more than 150 years.
Our history
1860
The Origins of Finca Filadelfia
In 1860, Finca Filadelfia located in Antigua Guatemala had as its main activity the cultivation of cochineal. This pigment was highly valued in the textile and food industry for its intense and long-lasting shades of red, crimson and purple. Cochineal was widely used in colonial times as the best dye available. However, very soon history would take an unexpected turn and the legacy of R. Dalton Coffee would begin.
1870
From Cochineal to Coffee
In 1870, Justo Rufino Barrios challenged the determined and visionary character of Don Manuel Matheu Sinibaldi, a pioneer in the agricultural tradition, by proposing a momentous change: replacing the cultivation of cochineal, which was the main agricultural product at that time in Guatemala, with coffee. This proposal marked the beginning of an important agricultural shift in the country, giving rise to the emergence of the coffee culture in Guatemala.
1890
A Brand is Born, R. Dalton Coffee
The R. Dalton brand was born along with its first coffee varieties, which evolved to give us the 5 varieties we know today.
2000
Awards and Recognitions
Since 2000, R. Dalton Coffee has been awarded the Cup of Excellence award by Anacafé (National Coffee Association) on several occasions.
2017
A New Horizon
In 2017, Don Roberto Dalton extended a very special invitation to Daniel Dalton to attend the Specialty Coffee Association (SCA) Fair. This trip was precisely the one that marked the beginning of a new chapter in the history of the family business.
Present
Innovation and Leadership
In October 2018, Daniel Dalton joined R. Dalton Coffee. Daniel has been a driving force of growth and progress for R. Dalton Coffee. He has taken the farm’s production to new levels, ensuring that every coffee bean roasted and sold reflects the values of excellence and quality that the brand stands for. His vision and leadership have paved the way for R. Dalton Coffee to be recognized as a world-renowned brand, always maintaining its legacy of excellence and commitment to continuous innovation.
Our habitat
Our coffee benefits from our region’s rich volcanic soil and temperate climate, which allow for slow ripening and a distinctive flavor. From 5,150 feet to heights of 7,500 feet above sea level, our valley offers a unique environment for growing. In addition, we are committed to environmental conservation, and our farm is certified as Bird Friendly Land in Guatemala. This ensures that our farming practices protect birds and promote biodiversity, thus contributing to a healthy ecological balance. When enjoying our coffee, you taste not only the exceptional quality of Antigua Guatemala, but also the effort to preserve the flora and fauna of our land.
Our Family
Our employees are more than just a team; we are a family united by passion and commitment to excellence. Each member plays a vital role in the creation of our coffee, from the farmers who lovingly tend the plantations to the experts who ensure quality at every step of the process. We share values of respect, mutual support, and teamwork, which is reflected in every cup of coffee that reaches our customers. Together, as a family, we create a legacy of tradition and quality that makes us proud.
The Process
At R. Dalton Coffee , the coffee process begins with the careful hand-picking of ripe berries in the mountains of Guatemala, ensuring only the highest quality berries. Each berry goes through a meticulous pulping, fermentation and washing process, where the perfect beans are separated to preserve their unique flavor and aroma. Finally, the coffee is sun-dried and carefully sorted before being roasted in small batches, thus maintaining the freshness and excellence that distinguish R. Dalton Coffee as a coffee of tradition and passion.
Awards
Since 2000, R. Dalton Coffee has been awarded the prestigious Cup of Excellence award by Anacafé, the National Coffee Association, on multiple occasions. This recognition is a testament to the exceptional quality of our coffee. In addition, we are certified as Genuine Antigua by APCA, which guarantees the authenticity and excellence of our products.