History of Rwandan Specialty Coffee
Rwanda’s coffee journey began in the early 20th century with the introduction of Arabica varieties. Over decades, the country developed a reputation for consistently high-quality coffee, especially after investments in washing stations and smallholder support in the 2000s. Today, Rwandan specialty coffee is recognized globally for its vibrant, complex flavors and meticulous post-harvest processing.
Coffee Production in Rwanda
Rwanda’s coffee sector is dominated by smallholder farmers, typically managing less than a hectare each. Farmers hand-pick cherries and deliver them to local washing stations, where coffee is sorted, pulped, fermented, and dried. This attention to detail at every stage ensures high-quality beans with distinct regional characteristics. The harvesting season runs from March to August, with coffee arriving for export between September and November.
We have been buying from Rwanda since 2012, and our partners include private producers who own their own washing stations, as well as one producer with a larger farm (estate), a rarity in Rwanda. Our relationships with these producers enable us to connect with smallholder farmers.
Specifically, we have long-standing partnerships with Aime and Alexis from the Gitesi station, and Justin from the Mahembe station. Typically, we buy high-performing microlots from these washing stations, ranging from 15-50 bags in size. In 2019, we began experimenting with naturals and special preps with the team at Gitesi. We pre-commit to buying these coffees, regardless of the outcome, so that the financial risk is borne by us rather than the producers.
What Coffee Varieties Are Grown in Rwanda?
Bourbon is the primary cultivar, known for its balanced acidity and complex sweetness. Some Caturra and other hybrid varieties are also present, but Bourbon dominates specialty coffee production. Farmers and washing stations experiment with washed and natural processing, with naturals often yielding sweeter, fruit-forward cups.
Rwanda Coffee Growing Regions
Rwanda’s coffee is grown across its hilly terrain, famously called the land of a thousand hills. Key regions include:
Huye/Nyanza: Known for bright, floral washed coffees.
Nyamasheke: Produces sweet, well-structured beans with red fruit notes.
Ngororero: Offers complex profiles with floral and citrus highlights.
Gisenyi and Ruhengeri: Northern regions delivering elegant, fruity cups.
Beyond these, coffee is also grown in smaller pockets across the Western and Southern provinces, benefiting from volcanic soils, high altitudes (1,200–2,000 m), and a cool climate ideal for Arabica cultivation.
Flavor Profiles of Rwandan Coffee
Rwandan coffees are celebrated for their clarity, brightness, and nuanced fruit character. Our coffee offers include:
Washed from Mahembe with a super structured body, a heavy focus on fruit with notes of red berries and black currant;
Washed from Gitesi with lots of complexity, layers of perfumed florals, and a transparent, bright flavour profile;
Naturals from Gitesi, which are very sweet and syrupy with ripe red fruit, citrus, florals, great brightness, and a bit of funk to back it all up.
While PB beans are typically sold on the local market for a low price, we have found that these lots can truly display distinct characteristics. Consequently, we also purchase PB lots from our reliable partners at a premium. Our years of working with these producers have demonstrated significant improvements in coffee quality and consistency from season to season.
Impact and Collaboration
We source coffee from long-term partners like the Gitesi and Mahembe washing stations, building relationships with smallholder farmers and investing in quality improvements. Initiatives include pre-committing to microlots, supporting agricultural education, and implementing premium payments for selectively picked cherries. These efforts not only improve coffee consistency but also enhance farmer livelihoods and strengthen the overall specialty coffee ecosystem in Rwanda.
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Find our Rwandan Coffees here on our Offer List!