From the very beginning of Z Beans Coffee, Arturo Peñarreta has been a driving force behind the relationships and quality standards that define the company today. After meeting Shane during a Mercer on Mission trip in 2016, Arturo helped lay the foundation for Z Beans by connecting Shane with coffee farmers across Ecuador and opening the door to the partnerships that would become the backbone of the business. Since day one, Arturo has worked to strengthen relationships with farmers, attending coffee conferences, networking across regions, and helping Z Beans discover exceptional coffees rooted in trust and transparency.

Today, Arturo serves as Z Beans’ man on the ground in Ecuador, overseeing quality control from the earliest stages of sourcing to final processing. Before coffees are purchased, farmers send green coffee samples to Arturo for inspection, where he grades, roasts, and cups each lot before sharing recommendations with the team. After purchase, he continues monitoring quality by assessing humidity levels, inspecting bean condition, and ensuring every coffee meets the standards that allow Z Beans to consistently deliver exceptional coffee to customers.