FUGI IKIZERE LOT 18 | Rwanda | Washed

This coffee comes from the Ikizere Women’s Group, a collective of smallholder producers who deliver cherries to the Fugi Washing Station in southern Rwanda. The group was founded in 2020 and brings together women who lead their households, many of whom are single mothers or widows. By separating and tracing their coffees, the project highlights their work and creates stronger recognition for the producers behind each lot.

The name Ikizere means “hope” in Kinyarwanda. The group was created to strengthen community ties and expand economic opportunities. Some processing steps are carried out collectively, including the traditional hand depulping of certain cherries. While this method requires time and effort, it allows members to gather, exchange knowledge, and support one another while working.

After delivery to Fugi, the cherries are first sorted by hand under shade to remove underripe or damaged fruit. The coffee is then floated in water to separate dense cherries from lighter ones. Selected cherries are depulped and undergo a two stage fermentation. First comes a dry fermentation of around 8 to 12 hours, followed by a wet fermentation in water for another 8 to 12 hours. The parchment is then thoroughly washed in grading channels and separated by density.

After washing, the coffee is soaked briefly and transferred to raised drying beds. The drying process begins slowly under shade before moving into full sun, with workers turning the parchment several times a day. The coffee dries gradually over several weeks until it reaches stable moisture levels. Throughout this process, workers continue to hand sort the parchment to remove defects and maintain quality.

Coffees from the Ikizere group receive prices above the national farmgate average for cherries, along with additional seasonal payments. These initiatives aim to strengthen long term relationships with producers and support greater economic stability for the women involved.

Farmgate price: 930 RWF/kg of cherry

National farmgate price (avg.): 800 RWF per kg of cherry

FOT Price: 9.50€/kg

We paid: 12,50€/kg

ROASTED COST: