Rwanda Coffee: Production, Taste, and Best Brands
Updated - Team Colipse
Rwanda Coffee refers to coffee grown in the high-altitude regions of Rwanda, a small coffee producer in East-Central Africa. Most Rwandan coffee is Arabica, and 95% of that is the Red Bourbon variety. Coffee grows best in five areas of Rwanda, mostly in the south and west near Lake Kivu. These are the Virunga Mountains, Kivu, Kizi Rift, Muhazi, and Akagera. In Rwanda, 1.2 million small farmers grow Arabica coffee using various techniques, producing cherries that are hand-picked and processed in washing stations. The best Rwandan coffee beans have bright acidity, complex flavors, and a great aroma. Look for A1 or A2 grade beans for consistent size and roasting. Colipse offers a wide selection of specialty-grade African coffee beans, although we don't sell Rwandan coffee beans specifically. The six best Rwandan coffee brands are Silverback Coffee of Rwanda, Rwanda Bean Coffee, Rwanda Huye Coffee, Rwanda Sholi Coffee, Gorilla Coffee Rwanda, and Rwanda Isimbi Coffee, all known for high-quality, unique flavors, and support for local communities.
What is Rwanda Coffee?
Rwanda coffee refers to coffee beans grown and processed in Rwanda, a landlocked country in East-Central Africa. Rwanda produced 250,000 60-kg bags of coffee in 2023, representing 0.1% of global production, according to USDA. Nearly 98% of Rwanda's coffee beans are Arabica, and 95% of these are the Red Bourbon variety, according to the Rwandan National Agriculture Export Board (NAEB). Rwandan coffee is produced mainly in agroecological zones like the Kivu Lake Borders, Central Plateau, Eastern Plateau, and Mayaga regions.
Rwandan coffee is most popular in specialty coffee markets in the United States, Europe, and Asia. About 60% of Rwandan coffee beans are classified as specialty coffee, scoring over 85 on the SCA scale. Coffee from Rwanda represents 24% of the country’s total agricultural exports and supports the rural economy, with around 400,000 smallholder farmers relying on it for their livelihoods. In 2022, the country exported about 20,000 tons of coffee, as noted by the International Coffee Organization (ICO).
Is Rwanda Coffee Good?
Yes, Rwandan coffee is known for its great quality and unique traits. Rwanda's geography, known as "the land of a thousand hills," provides ideal conditions for coffee cultivation. High altitudes up to 1850 meters slow bean maturation and enhance both complexity and flavor. Rwanda's 300+ washing stations meticulously process coffee, ensuring beans are clean, well-fermented, and properly dried to achieve specialty-grade standards.
Rwandan coffee is often described as bright, fruity, and a full bodied. At "The Best of Rwanda 2024" competition and auction, organized by the National Agricultural Export Development Board, Rwandan coffee achieved record-breaking success. NOVA Coffee Ltd's top lot sold for $71.8 USD per kilogram, 14 times higher than the average market wholesale price.
Where is Coffee Grown in Rwanda?
Coffee thrives in five major regions of Rwanda, mainly in the southern and western areas, spanning all districts, with the highest concentration near Lake Kivu. These regions—Virunga Mountains, Kivu, Kizi Rift, Muhazi, and Akagera—offer fertile volcanic soils, high altitudes of 1,350 to 1,850 meters, adequate rainfall, and moderate temperatures, ideal for coffee cultivation. As of 2023, Rwanda dedicates about 42,000 hectares to coffee farming, accounting for 16% of its arable land. This map, sourced from International Coffee Organization 2023 report, displays the geographic distribution of coffee production in Rwanda.
What are the Main Coffee Growing Regions in Rwanda?
The five main coffee production areas in Rwanda are listed below.
- Lake Kivu
- Virunga
- Muhazi
- Akagera
- Kizi Rift
1. Lake Kivu
Lake Kivu, bordering the Democratic Republic of Congo, is Rwanda's largest coffee-producing area. Fertile volcanic soil and rolling green hills around Lake Kivu produce coffee with a full body and complex flavors. Altitudes of 1,500–1,900 meters slow ripening, enhancing beans with buttery toffee caramel notes and hints of citrus and red berries. The Lake Kivu region produces 5,000 metric tons of coffee annually, supported by a tropical climate with wet and dry seasons.
2. Virunga
Virunga region is a transboundary area that spans both Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). This northernmost mountain region, home to Silverback gorillas, is known for Arabica coffee with fruity, caramel notes and bright acidity. The high altitude (1,500–2,000 meters), volcanic soil, and cool, sunny climate with ample rain allow slow ripening of coffee beans, creating a smooth cup with honey notes, hints of redcurrant, and lively acidity.
3. Muhazi
Muhazi is located a few kilometers east of Kigali, the capital of Rwanda. Covering an area of approximately 57.6 square kilometers, the region features Lake Muhazi, a long, thin, shallow lake about 60 kilometers in length and less than 5 kilometers wide. Muhazi is characterized by its volcanic soil, abundant rainfall, and the pristine waters of Lake Muhazi. This region is known for producing high-quality Bourbon Arabica coffee. Muhazi coffee exhibits a unique flavor profile with warm tea and cocoa notes.
4. Akagera
Akagera is situated in the Eastern Province of Rwanda, bordering Tanzania to the east. Akagera coffee farms are located at altitudes of 1,535 to 2,000 meters above sea level. The moderate climate with low rainfall supports coffee cultivation. Akagera coffee is known for sweet berry and spicy profiles with floral notes. Predominantly Bourbon variety, it has slightly lower acidity due to lower altitudes.
5. Kizi Rift
Kizi Rift is one of Rwanda's largest coffee-producing areas. Ths region is located near the Nyungwe Forest and Virunga Mountains in central Rwanda. The region primarily produces high-quality Arabica coffee, with Red Bourbon as the main variety. Coffee farms in Kizi Rift thrive at altitudes of 1,200–1,300 meters and span 11,191 hectares within its 5,966 square kilometers.
What are the Rwandan Coffee Growing Conditions?
Rwandan coffee is primarily grown at altitudes between 1,400 and 1,900 meters above sea level, with higher elevations up to 2,100 meters also supporting cultivation. Different regions experience varying annual rainfall. The Maraba area receives approximately 1,150 mm per year, while other coffee-growing regions in Rwanda receive between 1,500 and 1,600 mm. The ideal temperature for Arabica coffee is between 18°C and 22°C, with tolerable extremes of 15°C (minimum) and 24°C (maximum). This table describes the growing conditions for coffee in various regions of Rwanda, including altitude, rainfall, temperature, and soil type.
| Region and Conditions | Details |
|---|---|
| General Conditions | Altitude: 1350–2000 m, Rainfall: 850–1500 mm/year, Temperature: 19–25°C, Soil Type: Volcanic, Sandy Clayey, Clayey Silt, Contaminated Volcanic |
| Shyanda Sector, Kayumbu District | Altitude: 1500–1700 m, Rainfall: 1200 mm/year, Temperature: 20°C, Soil Type: Sandy Clayey |
| Rwimbogo Sector, Gashonga District | Altitude: 1500–1700 m, Rainfall: 1500 mm/year, Temperature: 22°C, Soil Type: Weathered Volcanic |
| Gikongoro Ville District | Altitude: 1600–1900 m, Rainfall: 1350 mm/year, Temperature: 19°C, Soil Type: Sandy-Clayey Silt |
| Masaka Sector, Kabuga District | Altitude: 1500–1800 m, Rainfall: 1000 mm/year, Temperature: 23°C, Soil Type: Sandy-Clayey Silt |
How is Coffee Produced in Rwanda?
Coffee production in Rwanda is a careful process, from planting to the final product. In Rwanda, coffee is grown using a combination of farming techniques, including mulching, composting, shade management, intercropping, and rejuvenating old coffee trees. Rwandan coffee is mainly grown by 1.2 million small farmers cultivating Arabica varieties like Bourbon and Typica. These plants produce cherries in 3-5 years. Harvest occurs twice annually, March to July. Farmers hand-pick ripe cherries for processing in washing stations to remove the pulp from coffee cherries and prepare the beans for sale.
Around 300 washing stations in Rwanda buy cherries from small farmers to process the country's coffee using either the washed or natural method. The washed method involves pulping (removing the outer skin and pulp), fermenting to enhance flavor, washing to remove residue, and drying the beans. The natural process dries cherries in the sun before processing, resulting in a fruitier flavor profile. After processing, the beans are hulled, graded, and roasted to create the final product.
The following table provides an overview of Rwanda's coffee production process.
| Aspect | Description |
|---|---|
| Traditional Processing | 60-70% of coffee is "semi-washed," with home processing by small producers. |
| Farm Practices | Varietals include Bourbon types (e.g., Jackson 2/1257), with good planting, pruning, and shading practices. |
| Fermentation Process | Cherries are floated, graded, and sorted into A, B, and C grade beans, with "skin-drying tables" used for defect removal. |
| Drying Process | Raised drying tables allow slow, even drying over 15-20 days to reach an 11% moisture level, preserving flavor and quality. |
| Quality Outcome | High-quality parchment coffee has no cracks, ensuring better storage and cup quality. |
What is the Quality of Rwandan Coffee?
Rwandan coffee is known for its high quality and unique flavors. Rwandan coffee beans are graded by density, with A1 being the best. This system ensures Rwandan coffee meets global standards, especially for specialty coffee. Coffee quality in Rwanda is influenced by growing conditions, processing methods, and the type of coffee plant. The table outlines Rwanda's coffee grading system.
| Grade | Description |
|---|---|
| A1 | Highest quality dense beans, processed in primary fermentation tanks. |
| A2 | High-quality dense beans, slightly lower in quality than A1. |
| A3 | Dense beans, but lower in quality compared to A1 and A2. |
| B | Light beans, processed in secondary hullers and low-grade fermentation tanks. |
| C | Lowest quality light beans, separated for lower-grade processing. |
What Does Rwandan Coffee Taste Like?
Rwandan coffee is typically characterized by its bright, citrusy notes, often accompanied by floral and tea-like qualities. You might also notice hints of lemon and orange, with a smooth, balanced body. A Rwandan-based espresso offers a vibrant, complex flavor. Although enjoyed on their own, Rwandan beans are often used in blends, sometimes as the highlight. Both Rwandan and Ethiopian coffees work well in espresso blends.
Rwandan coffee flavor profile can vary by region. For example, Lake Kivu coffee has sweet white chocolate notes and floral jasmine aromas, ideal for espresso. It has a creamy body with lingering acidity. Virunga coffee has intense fruit and caramel flavors with floral aromas. It has balanced acidity and a smooth texture. Muhazi coffee has earthy and spicy-sweet flavors with aromas of white chocolate and brown sugar. It has a medium body and good acidity. Akagera coffee is sweet and fruity, with flavors like mango and lychee. It has floral notes and spices. Kizi Rift coffee has fruit notes like cherry and apricot. It has a smooth body and citric acidity.
How to Choose the Best Rwandan Coffee Beans?
To choose the best Rwandan coffee beans, follow the six step below.
- Identify beans grown in regions like Gisenyi or Kivu for high altitude and volcanic soil quality.
- Opt for Arabica beans, especially Bourbon varieties, known for rich flavor profiles.
- Check for certifications like Fair Trade or organic to ensure ethical sourcing.
- Evaluate freshness by purchasing recently roasted beans.
- Prioritize Rwanda single origin coffee options for consistent flavor.
- Confirm roast profiles that match your brewing preference.
What are the Best Rwandan Coffee Beans?
The best Rwandan coffee beans are the ones with bright acidity, complex tasting notes, and incredible aroma. The best Rwandan coffee beans balances flavor, quality, and affordability. Look for Rwandan single-origin coffee beans graded as A1 (screen size 16) or A2 (screen size 15). These grades provide uniformity in size and density, ensuring even roasting. This consistency helps roasters achieve the desired profile without burning or under-roasting some beans. Look for single-origin Rwandan beans from Huye Mountain or Gakenke that often have citrus and floral notes with hints of chocolate.
Where to Buy the Best Rwandan Coffee Beans?
The best places to buy Rwandan coffee beans include specialty coffee shops, online marketplaces like Amazon or Trade Coffee, and direct-from-source platforms such as Rwandan coffee cooperatives or exporters. These options ensure freshness and support ethical sourcing. While Colipse doesn't sell Rwandan coffee beans specifically, we offer a wide selection of specialty-grade African coffee beans for sale, including Ethiopian Sidamo and Kenyan AB, roasted fresh and shipped directly to you.
What are the Best Rwandan Coffee Brands?
The six best Rwandan coffee brands are listed below.
- Silverback Coffee of Rwanda
- Rwanda Bean Coffee
- Rwanda Huye Coffee
- Rwanda Sholi Coffee
- Gorilla Coffee Rwanda
- Rwanda Isimbi Coffee
1. Silverback Coffee of Rwanda
Silverback Coffee of Rwanda is a specialty coffee brand that makes high-quality coffee and supports the local Rwandan community. It was founded by Jack Karuletwa, a Rwandan-American entrepreneur, to help poor coffee farmers in Rwanda. The brand is named after the endangered Silverback gorilla. Silverback Coffee primarily uses Red Bourbon Arabica beans and the washed method for processing. They donate some of their profits to organizations that help the community and gorillas. The coffee is known for its floral, fruity, and chocolatey notes. They offer whole beans, ground coffee, and instant coffee, with prices around $15-$20 for a 12 oz bag.
2. Rwanda Bean Coffee
Rwanda Bean Coffee is a specialty coffee brand producing high-quality single-origin coffee from Rwanda. Founded by Rwandan entrepreneur Mike Mwenedata, it aims to support local coffee farmers. The brand uses Red Bourbon Arabica beans and the washed processing method. Rwanda Bean Coffee donates 50% of its profits to support the needs of Rwandan farmers, funding projects like schools and health insurance. The coffee has bright acidity, floral aromas, and fruity notes. It offers whole beans in various roasts, priced around $15-$20 for a 12 oz bag.
3. Rwanda Huye Coffee
Rwanda Huye Coffee is produced by the Huye Mountain Coffee Company in the Huye region of Rwanda. This company, founded by David Rubanzangabo, aims to promote coffee growing and improve the quality of coffee production. They use Red Bourbon Arabica beans and the washed method for processing. The company supports local farmers and emphasizes sustainable farming. The coffee is known for its bright acidity, floral aromas, and fruity notes. Huye Mountain Coffee offers whole beans and various roasts.
4. Rwanda Sholi Coffee
Rwanda Sholi Coffee is produced by the Abateraninkunga ba Sholi Cooperative, which means "Mutual Assistance." Located in the Muhanga District, this cooperative was founded in 2008 by a women's association. It focuses on community development, supporting coffee production and social projects. Sholi Coffee uses Red Bourbon Arabica beans and the washed processing method. It is Fairtrade, Organic, and Rainforest Alliance certified. The cooperative has built a health center and supports various projects. Over one-third of its members are women. The coffee is known for its bright acidity, floral aromas, and fruity notes. Sholi Coffee offers whole beans and various roasts.
5. Gorilla Coffee Rwanda
Gorilla Coffee Rwanda is a specialty coffee brand produced by the Rwanda Farmers Coffee Company (RFCC). RFCC was founded in 2009 and aims to add value to local coffee production. Gorilla Coffee is made from 100% Arabica Bourbon beans and is processed using the washed method. RFCC operates the largest roasting facility in East Africa. Gorilla Coffee offers roasted beans, ground coffee, and instant coffee. Gorilla Coffee's instant coffee is the only one made in Rwanda. Gorilla Coffee works with Rwandan farmers to help them out of poverty. The coffee is Fairtrade certified and known for its balanced flavor with notes of dark chocolate and caramel.
6. Rwanda Isimbi Coffee
Rwanda Isimbi Coffee is a specialty coffee produced by Sucafina with juicy fruit and chocolate notes. It has bright acidity and a smooth mouthfeel. The coffee is made from Bourbon beans and undergoes a washed process. It is grown at high altitudes and features aromas of date, brown sugar, and grapefruit. Sucafina ensures fair prices for producers and invests in sustainability. Isimbi Coffee is available as whole beans and is suitable for various brewing methods.
How is Rwandan Coffee Different from other African Coffees?
Rwandan coffee offers bright acidity, floral aromas, and fruity notes, complemented by a creamy body with caramel and spice hints. Ethiopian coffee shares floral and fruity qualities but features a tea-like body and vibrant acidity. Kenyan coffee stands out for its intense acidity, rich body, and blackcurrant and grapefruit flavors. Differences from other African coffee beans arise from growing conditions and processing. Rwandan coffee thrives at high altitudes in volcanic soil and is washed-processed. Ethiopian coffee grows in forested regions with washed or natural processing, while Kenyan coffee, also grown in high-altitude volcanic soil, is processed with washed double fermentation.