Find Rwanda Green Coffee Beans for sale

Coffee was first introduced to Rwanda in the early 20th century by German missionaries. By the 1930s, it had gained traction as a significant source of revenue for rural families. As one of Rwanda’s few cash crops, coffee has become a vital part of the country’s economy. The industry is predominantly made up of small-scale farms, with each farm averaging about one hectare in size.

Today, Rwanda is recognised for producing high-quality coffee beans, with many farms located at high elevations, which enhances the beans' natural sweetness and complexity. Rwandan coffee is renowned for its deep, fruity flavours, often featuring notes of stone fruit and berries. Expect a medium to high acidity, accompanied by bright citrus and subtle spice notes, making Rwandan coffee truly distinctive.

Rwanda's coffee harvest typically runs from March to July, making this the best time to plan your sourcing. By securing your purchases before the harvest begins, you can expect shipments to arrive between June and September. For the freshest beans and to ensure availability, it’s always a good idea to align your orders with Rwanda's harvest cycle.

If you're looking to import coffee from Rwanda, it's essential to do thorough research to find the right product and reliable suppliers. While French and English are widely spoken, with Kinyarwanda as the native language, English will serve you well in most business interactions. However, understanding Rwanda's other languages and customs can provide valuable insights and stronger connections.

For those interested in direct trade, it's important to seek out reputable producers with a solid track record. The coffee value chain in Rwanda is largely made up of small-scale farmers, so building relationships and ensuring proper certifications and paperwork are crucial for a smooth importing process. Make sure to familiarise yourself with the Rwanda coffee export procedures to ensure compliance and success in your import journey.

The majority of coffee produced in Rwanda is arabica, accounting for approximately 97% of the country’s output, with the bourbon varietal being the most prominent. Historically, Rwanda has been one of Africa’s largest producers of arabica coffee, and it continues to build its reputation as a source of high-quality, sweet beans. Although robusta is grown in some regions, it represents a very small portion of the overall production.

For those new to origin coffees, Rwandan and Kenyan coffee may seem similar, both offering berry-like, fruity notes. Kenyan coffee is often known for its bright, summer berry flavours. In contrast, Rwandan coffee presents a deeper flavour profile, featuring rich stone fruit notes that balance its medium to high acidity. For coffee drinkers who enjoy fruity coffees but want a more complex, layered experience, Rwandan coffee provides a distinct alternative to its Kenyan counterpart.