The Ambassador of Guatemala, H.E. Ms. Ava Atzum Arevalo de Moscoso hosted a festive reception at the Benjamin Hotel in Herzliya Pituach The promotion was entitled "Guatemala Sunrise", dedicated to her country's most sacred commodity being coffee.
Many people in Israel's coffee industry, businessmen and diplomats were present.
The meaning of Guatemala is "Place of Many Trees" and in this context the trees are not fruit trees but coffee trees. Guatemala is one of the country's producing the world's finest coffee.
The Ambassador welcomed the guests and mentioned that Guatemalan coffee is recognized for its quality, aroma, complexity and unmatched quality. Guatemala being a small country however geographically diverse allowing us to produce the most appreciated and highly valued coffee recognized in international markets. Coffee is grown and produced in eight of Guatemala's regions;
1) Acatenango which has active volcanoes leading to mineral rich soil producing coffee with a cacao note and rounded body.
2) Antigua Guatemala which is our country's most emblematic region also having volcanic soil and centuries of agricultural activity giving rise to elegant coffee with fine acidity and sweet aroma.
3) Atitlan is located beside one of the most beautiful lakes and the coffee grown here is floral, vibrant and bright.
4) Coban is a region with a year round rainfall and constant mist producing coffee which is spicy, fresh and silky.
5) Fraijanes Plateau has a high altitude as well as sandy soil and in this region the coffee has an intense aroma coupled with pronounced acidity.
6) Huehuetenango, due its extreme altitudes and unique microclimate is the region producing coffee known as giant of Guatemalan coffee characterized by a complex, fruity and natural sweetness.
7) Nuevo Oriente has metamorphic soils and coffee produced here is infused with a chocolate, full bodied and deep flavour.
8) San Marcos being the warmest region and having early rains, coffee here is smooth, aromatic and delicate.
The three reasons for Guatemalan coffee having such renown is due to its consistency in production standards, traceability which allows the producers to know the story behind every bean and finally international prestige as Guatemalan coffee is recognized and awarded in competitions around the globe such as the "Cup of Excellence" trusted by elite baristas.
I would like to extend a special invitation to all guests to join our guest barista Maamoon Jbareen for an elevated tasting experience that will deepen your understanding of each of our coffees. You will also have the opportunity to acquire our coffees so it will become part of your shops, cafes and businesses allowing you to offer premium Guatemalan coffee of the highest quality. May this "Guatemala's Sunrise" promotion be the beginning of new connections, opportunities and avenues for strengthening ties between Guatemala and Israel. Thank you for your presence and enjoy the tasting!
The Embassy's Economic Attache, Ms. Ritha Chech recalled that in 2022 a TLC trade agreement was signed between Guatemala and Israel. Guatemala also imports agricultural technology and Israeli experts operate an agricultural farm training local farmers. Guatemala is a tourist gem that Israelis hardly know as it is not on the Israeli tourist map offering a combination of Mayan culture, dramatic volcanoes, colourful markets, and village resembling a postcard. Antigua Guatemala is considered to be the most beautiful colonial city in Mesoamerica with colourful stone houses, cobblestone streets, churches with a volcano as a backdrop. Tikal being one of the largest and the most impressive Mayan sites which is located in the heart of Guatemala's rainforest rests the Mayan pyramids The sense of antiquity and wonder experienced by visitors is breathtaking when seeing Lake Atitlan as three volcanoes surround a quiet turquoise lake and Mayan villages located on its bank.
The Embassy would like to make this accessible to Israelis and plan to promote direct flights in the future between our countries. La Aurora Airport in Guatemala City serves as a central hub for travellers to and from Mesoamerica and could be convenient for many Israelis.
Guatemala City has a small Jewish community of less than a thousand souls. There is a kosher minimarket, two kosher restaurants, one is located in the Chabad compound and two synagogues, one an Ashkenazi synagogue and the other, Sepharadi.
In 2018, President Jimmy Morales attended the opening of Guatemala's Embassy in Jerusalem.
The place was full adornated with traditional Guatemala handicrafts and Guatemalan music contributing to the evening's festivity. ..
"Guatemala Sunrise" event was not only a celebration of coffee but a nuanced statement wanting to be closer to Israel manifested by an intensification of business, tourism and culture!
https://diariojudio.com/ & www.diplomacy.co.il extends its congratulations to the Ambassador of Guatemala to Israel and staff on the auspicious occasion and wish a great success
Photos Silvia G. Golan
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