The Hidden Gem of African Coffee: Burundi’s Untold Story

When most people talk about African Coffee, they think of countries like Ethiopia & Kenya, being bigger and more commercially inclined coffee producing countries, and most often neglecting gems like Burundi. & Rwanda. Burundi, a very small country located in the heart of East Africa, produce, as far as the fortunate few who have had the opportunity to drink or roast Burundian beans, some of the very best coffee in the world. The reasons being as it is mostly owner operated, so small and controlled washing station with clean mountain water & knowledgeable processing, mineral rich volcanic ash soils, high altitude (1600+ASL) and most like in the case of Ruvubu, use any chemical fertilisers and naturally an ideal climate.

Burundi’s “unknown status” is indeed a huge treasure as their true potential have not been exploited through commercialization that in many cases can only produce coffee of a sub standard.

The Ideal Conditions give rise to the fortunate few who have cupped and understand the qualities of Burundian Coffee

With the political and trade conditions improving by the day, Burundi will become known for their ability too keep surprizing most when it come to quality and price competitiveness for Speciality Coffee.

The Importance of Coffee to Burundi’s Economy

Coffee is Burundi`s prize export commodity. The phenomenal influence of the so-called ‘black gold’ is felt in every corner of this coffee-dependent nation. Up to 80% of the nation’s GDP comes from coffee and the government is trying to protect their small farmers and their trade income in every way possible, as poverty is still felt in most of this war torn country as a result of European exploitation.

The Vital Role of the small Subsistence Coffee Farmers

At the heart of Burundi’s coffee production are the subsistence farmers, who, despite forming the backbone of the Burundian economy. Their reality could be likened to an untold tale of the farmer and the golden goose. They are the custodians of the golden beans, yet their invaluable work is rewarded with below par income and hence is it the utmost delight of all at Ruvubu to increase the living conditions of each and every farmer that grows and cultivate the coffee we`ve come to love.

The Hope: Transforming Burundi bean by bean, cup for cup!

Albeit all the previous wars and ethnic battles, there’s a strong belief that Burundians can turn things around. The potential for elevating Burundi out of the depths of poverty through quality coffee industry partnerships is what is called for and at Ruvubu, that is part of our daily plight.

Any transformative opportunity would involve working towards better conditions for all involved in the industry, advancing production quality & quantities, and raising the living conditions. By improving these aspects, there is an immense opportunity to change the entire socio-economic structure of the country.

We know with you enjoying Burundi Coffee as much as we do, it will be possible!

We believe you will be in touch soon!

Email: info@ruvubucoffee.co.za

Mobile and WhatsApp: +27 638130546