Our Coffee
Focus on Arabica Coffee
In the beginning of the 20th century, Arabica coffee was introduced in Western Uganda on the slopes of the Rwenzori Mountains. The region is optimal for Arabica coffee farming: between 1500m and 2000m of altitude, climate conditions are favourable to Arabica coffee growth and soil richness that is evenly distributed, ensuring satisfying production levels.
The favourable climatic conditions, started to attract several farmers from the mountains to switch to coffee, and these were able to improve their livelihood by generating an important source of income from the cash crop.
However, until the 1990s, coffee production in the Rwenzori Mountains remained the domain of small-scale farmers, limited in volume and known only by coffee traders operating in the region. The situation changed during the 2000s, when the coffee market initiated an important mutation which impacted the region’s production: from a traditional commodity market, where volume and price prevail in trade negotiation, a new market segment emerged, where quality receives increased consideration.
The “Specialty Coffee” market segment was born and since then it has continuously grown, supported by a sustained demand from consumers who have since developed a connoisseur attitude to coffee and those interested in flavour and aroma. The new coffee consumers are now looking for products of quality, with specific and enjoyable combination of aromas which are delivered by Arabica Coffee.
Achieving the expected level of excellence, coffee from Rwenzori naturally found its way to the specialty market. It is nowadays developing increasing interest from consumers, hence motivating Rwenzori coffee farmers to maintain high quality production standards and establish large commercial farms like the one currently operated by Rwenzori Organic Coffee.