6. Rwamatamu Peaberry

86 Cupping Score

Rwamatamu Coffee stands as a family-owned enterprise spearheaded by Mukantwaza Laetitia and Rutaganda Gaston, who boast over 13 years of expertise in the coffee industry. In 2015, they established Rwamatamu with a dual purpose: aiming for financial prosperity while also combating poverty in rural communities through coffee cultivation.

Spanning 20 hectares of coffee plantation, Rwamatamu cultivates its own cherries while also procuring cherries from affiliate cooperatives, local producer families, and smallholder farmers. These diverse sources yield distinct cherries that undergo separate collection, processing, sun-drying, meticulous sorting, bagging, and eventual exportation, resulting in a premium-grade product.

Rwamatamu collaborates closely with local coffee farmer cooperatives, maintaining a workforce where 80% comprises women. Their mission revolves around fostering robust relationships within the community, grounded in shared values and aspirations. They achieve this by committing to consistent bean purchases and investing in employee growth. Each year, they adhere to a stringent quality standard, ensuring excellence in their offerings.

Situated in the Western province of Rwanda, Rwamatamu's coffee farm and washing station adorn the landscape of picturesque rolling hills surrounding Lake Kivu in the Nyamasheke District. This region boasts a tropical highland climate, characterized by regular rainfall and temperatures ranging from 14 to 24 degrees Celsius. These conditions foster the growth of superior Arabica coffee beans, known for their dense, hard consistency and exceptional flavor profile.

Nestled at an altitude ranging from 1600 to 2000 meters on nutrient-rich volcanic soil, the farm experiences a harvest season from January to March. The meticulous process of fully washing the coffee beans with spring water, sun-drying, and handpicking to exacting standards ensures a premium product. Rwamatamu is currently in the process of acquiring organic and fair-trade certifications, underscoring their commitment to effecting positive social and economic change within farming communities, with a dedicated focus on uplifting women.

Origin: Rwanda

Region: Rwamatamu

Altitude: 1800 - 2000 m.a.s.l

Varietal: Bourbon

Processing: Washed

Flavours: A tea-like, delicate coffee from the hills surrounding Lake Kivu, offering abundant caramel and fresh citrus notes.