Malawi

Malawi’s coffee may not be produced in large quantities, but its quality is truly remarkable. Each bean reflects the dedication and skill of smallholder farmers who work tirelessly despite facing significant challenges, including underdeveloped infrastructure and the vulnerability of their crops. The result is a coffee experience unlike any other, marked by sweet, floral, and spicy notes. Malawian coffee is more than a beverage; it’s a testament to the resilience and craftsmanship of its growers, offering a rich, flavorful experience that lingers with every sip.

The story of coffee in Malawi began in the late 19th century, when coffee seeds were brought from the Royal Botanic Gardens in Edinburgh. Over the years, the industry grew under British colonial influence, but it wasn’t until Malawi gained independence in 1964 that real progress was made for its smallholder farmers. With the creation of the Smallholder Coffee Authority, farmers gained better support and a stronger organisational structure.
However, the journey has not been without setbacks. During the 1980s and 1990s, coffee wilt disease devastated plantations, leading to a significant decline in production as Malawi entered the 21st century. Even today, the nation remains a relatively small player in the global coffee market, with its production hindered by high crop mortality rates. Despite this, the coffee Malawi does produce is renowned for its unique flavor, offering sweet, delicate, and floral notes with hints of spice and liquorice that captivate coffee lovers around the world.

Malawi almost exclusively grows Arabica coffee, celebrated for its balanced profile of sweetness, floral aroma, and subtle spiciness. This coffee offers medium acidity and body, delivering a cup that is both rich and nuanced. The flavour often includes hints of liquorice, dried fruits, and chocolate, making Malawian coffee a favourite for those seeking something truly special.
Historically, the Caturra variety dominated Malawian plantations, but the late 1990s brought significant changes. After a devastating outbreak of coffee wilt disease, many farmers switched to planting Catimor hybrids, prized for their resistance to coffee leaf rust. Over time, additional varieties like Catuai, K7, Ruiru 11, and the renowned SL28 and SL34 became more common. Each of these has its own unique traits, from disease resistance to exceptional cup quality.
Beyond these, Malawi is also home to rarer varieties, including Geisha, Nyika 129, and S. Agaro. These specialty coffees add to the rich tapestry of flavors that make Malawian coffee so distinctive. The combination of traditional techniques, resilient farmers, and diverse coffee plants ensures that each cup offers a taste of Malawi’s unique coffee heritage.

We’re proud to source our Malawian coffee through our trusted partner, Omwani Coffee Co. Omwani specializes in connecting with smallholder farmers across East Africa, and their mission aligns perfectly with our commitment to quality and ethical sourcing. Through Omwani, we’re able to ensure that every bean we offer is not only exceptional in flavor but also produced with care and responsibility.
Omwani works directly with farming cooperatives and smallholder farmers, building strong relationships based on trust and mutual benefit. Their approach prioritizes fair compensation and sustainable practices, empowering farmers to improve their livelihoods while preserving the environment. By focusing on quality and transparency, Omwani ensures that each step of the supply chain supports the people and communities behind the coffee.
For us, this partnership means we can bring you coffee that truly embodies the essence of Malawi. It’s not just about the rich, sweet, and floral flavors—it’s about the stories, dedication, and resilience of the farmers who make it all possible. Thanks to Omwani’s expertise and ethical sourcing practices, we can share these exceptional coffees with you, knowing that they’re making a positive impact from farm to cup.