Africa

Africa

Africa is the heart of specialty coffee, with Ethiopia regarded as the birthplace of Arabica. Known for its natural processing methods, African coffee strikes a remarkable balance between body and acidity. Expect vibrant acidity—from sparkling to tart—paired with sweet, wine-like flavours that create some of the most distinctive and complex profiles in the world. Despite producing only 12% of the global coffee supply, Africa’s impact on quality and flavour is undeniable.

Your guide to Africa

  • Which African country has the best coffee?

    Choosing the "best" African coffee depends on your personal taste preferences, as each country offers unique and captivating flavour profiles shaped by its climate, terroir, and processing methods. Here’s a closer look at what makes coffee from some of Africa’s top coffee producers stand out:

    Ethiopia: The Birthplace of Coffee
    Ethiopia’s diversity of coffee cultivars is unparalleled, offering a wide range of flavours, many still yet to be discovered. Washed Ethiopian coffees shine with bright, floral notes like jasmine and citrus, often accompanied by bergamot-like characteristics. In contrast, natural Ethiopian coffees burst with exotic, fruity profiles, making them a favourite among adventurous coffee lovers. With its endless variety, Ethiopia is an exciting destination for those seeking distinctive and complex cups.

    Kenya: Bold and Juicy
    Kenyan coffees are famous for their intense acidity and juicy, fruit-forward profiles, often reminiscent of blackcurrant or black forest gâteau. Grown in high altitudes, Kenyan coffees develop slowly, which enhances their complexity and depth. Varietals like SL-28 and SL-34, developed for exceptional flavour and body, make Kenya a top choice for those who love a vibrant, flavour-packed cup.

    Rwanda: Elegance and Complexity
    Rwandan coffee is known for its balance of fruitiness and freshness, with notes of red apple, grape, and stone fruit, combined with floral aromas. These coffees often have a delicate, tea-like body, with berry-like flavours adding extra layers of complexity. Despite facing challenges, Rwanda’s coffee industry has evolved to produce some of the finest and most elegant coffees on the market.

  • How do we source African coffee sustainably and transparently?

    At Green Coffee Collective, we prioritise sustainability and transparency in every step of our coffee sourcing. We partner with trusted collaborators like Omwani and Coffee Legends to source exceptional African coffees while supporting farmers, communities, and the environment.

    Omwani (established in 2018) operates across Uganda, Rwanda, Kenya, and Ethiopia, fostering long-term relationships with farmers. Omwani’s focus on consistency, collaboration, and transparency ensures that the coffees we offer reflect the diverse terroirs and traditions of these regions. By telling the stories of the farmers and valuing their work, Omwani guarantees that every bean is as impactful as it is flavourful.

    Coffee Legends (founded in 2022) specialises in Ethiopian coffee, maintaining high social, environmental, and economic standards. By staying closely involved at every stage, from cultivation to processing, they ensure only the finest quality beans reach us. Coffee Legends is committed to empowering farmers and creating sustainable, lasting positive impacts in the communities they work with.

    Through these partnerships, we offer coffees that support sustainable farming practices, protect the environment, and empower local communities, ensuring each cup is a testament to our values of quality, transparency, and sustainability.

  • Can you facilitate custom sourcing for specific regions in Africa or processing methods?

    Absolutely! Africa’s coffee-growing regions are diverse, each with its own unique characteristics and processing methods. We have the expertise and network to help you source exactly what you need. Whether you’re looking for coffee from a specific region, a particular processing method, or even a unique varietal, we can tailor your order to suit your needs. Contact us at hello@greencoffeecollective.com, and let’s discuss your requirements to find the perfect coffee for your roasting journey.

Your questions, answered

What is the Green Coffee Collective?

We’re a community of coffee producers and sourcing experts, all working together to make green coffee easy to access—whether you’re a hobby roaster at home or a professional roasting hundreds of tonnes a year. Our platform is designed to simplify buying green coffee, just like any other online shopping experience. No fuss, just great coffee at your fingertips.

Do you offer support for direct trade relationships with producers?

Yes, we’re always happy to make introductions! If you’re interested in working directly with one of our producers, just send us an email (hello@greencoffeecollective.com) and we’ll gladly help facilitate the connection. For larger volumes, we can also assist with logistics and any complexities involved in sourcing directly from producers.

Do you offer samples or trial batches before committing to larger orders?

Yes, we offer samples for most of our coffees. If you need a larger sample than what’s typically available, we recommend trying one of the smaller quantity options listed on our site. That way, you can test the coffee before committing to a larger order.

What is your minimum order quantity (MOQ) for large-scale or long-term contracts?

For larger-scale or long-term contracts, you can start with as little as a single bag. We’re also working on tools to help you access harvests and reserve coffees before they even leave the country. While it’s not fully ready yet, we’re always here to help roasters of any size connect with the producers they want to work with.

Can I arrange a visit to origin or participate in harvest season visits?

We’re working on coordinating trips in the future! In the meantime, if there’s a specific origin you’d like to visit, just get in touch with us, and we’ll do our best to help arrange something.