The current very high commodity market pricing for coffee, although on the surface a positive for farmers, means that the financial incentive for quality is effectively diminished, leading to a great deal of hard work from our partners on the ground. Maintaining relationships with producers, emphasising the long-term stability benefits of producing speciality coffee, and ensuring them that roasters like ourselves will still pay a healthy premium above the C-price is the focus for the moment. Many small producers that deliver to large buying centres across Central America can receive a better price for unsorted, wet coffee than they received for well processed and sorted lots last year, so the quick reactions required to maintain relationships is something we have spoken at length about with our exporting partners. On the upside, most are reporting excellent quality this year, so we are looking forward to securing lots from some of our long-term friends, like Mauricio at Altos, whatever the increase in cost may be.

Rwanda

Muraho Trading Co.

This is our second year working with renowned Rwandan producers Muraho Trading Co. Although we hadn’t purchased many Rwandan lots before last year, we’ve been aware of Muraho for several years now, having tasted their coffees roasted by many colleagues we admire, mainly in the southern hemisphere and the UK, but also closer to home.

The coffees that Muraho produce are quite simply some of the best Rwandan lots we have tasted at La Cabra, and Gaudam and Carthick Anbalagan, the brothers that run the project, are among the most innovative producers in the country. We were introduced to Muraho by our friends from Hobe Coffee, who have a long term relationship with Gaudam and Carthick, stemming back to their time living in New Zealand.

A floral and balanced coffee

Bumbogo Washed

The Bumbogo Coffee Washing Station is owned by Neza Trading Co, but run in conjunction with Muraho. It is located in the Gakenke district, famous for high quality coffees in Rwanda; many previous winners of the Cup of Excellence have come from Gakenke. Muraho’s investment and support has meant that Bumbogo have been able to almost double their production since their first harvest in 2018. Bumbogo farmers are also provided with seedlings and agronomic education, leading to ever greater quality.

This washed lot has crisp white florals, and a softer acidity profile than many other Rwandan lots we have tasted this year, reminiscent of stewed apple.