Gitesi Imbuto (Natural) | Rwanda

More about this coffee & the Gitesi washing station:

This delicious lot has been grown and harvested by smallholder farmers and carefully processed at the Gitesi washing station in the Karongi region, Western Rwanda. Imbuto means fruit in Kinyarwandan, referring to the drying process inside the coffee fruit bringing pronounced fruit flavours to the cup.

The Gitesi washing station was established in 2005 by the dynamic father and son team - Alexis and Aime Gahizi. Alexis is originally from Karongi, and his family have been growing coffee here for generations. Aime is a member of the younger generation of producers and the driving force behind many new initiatives. For example, he has created a comprehensive water purification system for the washing station. This has been so successful that it will be the model for future water purification systems at other washing stations. They also produce natural fertiliser from coffee pulp.

Gitesi has very strong relationships with farmers in the local community. There are over 1800 coffee farmers who deliver cherry to Gitesi. The washing station implemented a bonus system based on performance, which is paid out to the farmers at the end of the year. The washing station also has a development programme in place to support the farmers and members of their community. Some of the benefits of the program include access to new plants from Gitesi’s coffee nursery at no extra cost, distribution of cows (for additional income and a source of organic fertiliser), and training in agricultural and financial management. They also have a pilot program where farmers can learn about growing different vegetables, ensuring that they have income outside of coffee season.

Gitesi carries the Rainforest Alliance certification - seal awarded to farms, forests, and businesses that meet rigorous environmental and social standards.