Once upon a time in the heart of sub-Saharan Africa, there was a land of vibrant culture, abundant resources, and a captivating history – the Democratic Republic of the Congo, or simply the DRC.
Our CEO, Rebu Burubwa visiting Congo in 2024.
Amidst the bustling sights and sounds of this majestic country, a delightful aroma wafts through the air, leading to the discovery of a hidden treasure – the DRC’s burgeoning coffee industry. Nestled in the northeast and high elevations of Kivu and Ituri, coffee plants thrive, producing beans renowned for their unique flavours and aromatic charms.
However, the journey of DRC coffee has been no walk in the park. It has faced trials and tribulations, from ageing fields and unattended farmers to fierce competition and sneaky fraudsters. Diseases have cast shadows over the land, and conflicts have added layers of adversity.
Coffee production is like a big workout! When the cherries ripen, it’s a lot of hard work to pick them and remove the pulp. Usually, the ladies have to carry water for this job, but not anymore! Now, washing stations take care of all that. And the good news is, lots of villagers get to work at these stations, which means more jobs for everyone.
Sometimes, when people roast coffee from the DRC, they like to compare it to fantastic coffees from Guatemala and Ethiopia. It’s kind of like when we meet someone new and think they’re similar to someone we already know. But as we get to know DRC coffee more, we’ll realise it’s awesome in its own special way, without needing to compare it to anything else. It’s all about appreciating the unique greatness of each coffee!
But fear not, for a glimmer of hope shines through the clouds. A movement has begun to support sustainable and fair trade practices, breathing new life into the industry. This not only uplifts the local farmers and communities but also elevates the reputation of DRC coffee on the global stage.
So, here’s the best part: thanks to the centralised processing, the farmers not only earn more money but also get better at growing coffee. That means they can grow more coffee in their fields. It’s like a win-win situation for everyone!
And so, the tale of DRC coffee continues, filled with twists and turns, but ultimately guided by the spirit of resilience and hope for a brighter, more flavorful future.
