Uganda is a high-scoring specialty origin that is still under construction. Most of its coffee is strip picked and cultivated for mass production, as little investment has been made to develop its quality further. If you scratch beneath the surface, there is a lot of potential in quality naturals and special preps. When farmers have the right tools, they can produce excellent flavour profiles on scale.
Our specialty coffee project in Bulambuli
Ever since we started sourcing from the East of Uganda, coffee from Bulambuli has always stood out to us. We quickly realised that improvements in quality control, farm management, and processing methods were necessary to create more interesting profiles and concept coffees. We therefore established a project with our long-term partners, Ibero. They built a brand new washing station in 2022, where they pulp, ferment, and dry our selection of coffees. They have formed a very dedicated team of industry professionals, who manage cherry buying, financial control, farmer support and traceability protocols.
Together, we're closely involved in product development and we focus on implementing effective processing methods. Our objective is to create a larger product range with differentiated flavour profiles at a high standard. We're really pleased with how the project is progressing, as our coffees continue to improve in quality and consistency. We focus on creating impact for the producers and their communities. Approximately 200–400 farmers deliver their cherries to the new Bulambuli site. Besides sourcing quality, we look for unique coffees that are fully traceable. The premiums we pay go directly to the producers, improving their financial and social security.
Our sourcing program is only the beginning of what specialty can look like in this region. Our long term goal is to develop a standardised, fully-functional model for quality and sustainable production, with a data driven solution for traceability
The Bulambuli coffee region
Sitting on Mt. Elgon, Bulambuli is a district in Eastern Uganda near the Kenyan border. The area's lush, mountainous terrain and climatic conditions are ideal for specialty production. You'll find similar varieties to Kenya and Rwanda, as farmers predominantly grow SL14, 28 and 34.
The profiles
We currently work with three main profiles from Bulambuli, all clean, sweet, and carefully processed. The local mill does a great job of bringing out the potential of the coffees, resulting in soft, tea-like cups with layers of stone fruit and sweet tropical fruit, alongside a smooth mouthfeel.
Ugandan Natural Coffees
Our natural coffees are split into two profiles:
Kiwabo means “bloom” in Luganda and describes our clean, floral natural coffees, with plenty of fruit and sweetness.
Magezi means “wisdom” and is used for our more fruit-forward naturals and special preparations.
Ugandan Washed Coffees
Our washed coffees are grouped under Kimuli, which means “flower” in Luganda. These coffees are characterised by their floral qualities, sweetness, balance, and clean, structured profiles.
