BURUNDI COFFEE UPDATE
WHAT TO EXPECT & HOW TO GET INVOLVED
BURUNDI COFFEE
BACKGROUND CONTEXT
Burundi, a landlocked and mountainous country in Central Africa bordered by the DRC, Rwanda, and Tanzania, offers ideal agro-ecological conditions for coffee cultivation.
Coffee production began in the 1930s and saw significant investment from 1980 to 1993, largely supported by the World Bank. During this period, the number of coffee shrubs grew from 90 million to over 220 million, and 133 strategically located washing stations were constructed. Today, Burundi has more than 160 washing stations.
Until 2007, the state controlled the entire coffee value chain -from processing to export. Quality remained low, with prices tied to commodity markets. In 2006, the government began liberalizing the sector, allowing private ownership of coffee washing stations and dry mills, which opened doors to specialty markets.
However, growth remained limited. In response, the government renewed its focus on the sector in 2020. A new regulatory body, ODECA, was established and has since taken over most of the privatized washing stations, playing a central role in guiding the industry’s development.
Burundi’s coffee industry is now being reshaped by renewed state oversight, with promising prospects for growth in the specialty market.
2024/2025 HARVEST : WHAT TO EXPECT
A QUICK WALKTHROUGH QUALITY, QUANTITY AND PRICE
Burundi’s coffee production is a dynamic and often unpredictable journey. Influenced by a variety of factors -weather cycles, aging trees (many over 40 years old), soil degradation, outdated farming practices, and even political instability, the sector has faced its share of challenges. These variables have made production quite volatile, adding both risk and reward to each harvest.
Quantity
Since 1995, Burundi’s coffee production has been on a gradual decline, shrinking by an average of 4.8% each year until 2023. However, the 2024/25 harvest brings a welcome shift. This year, production rose by 7% compared to 2023, reaching an impressive 150,000 60kg bags. A positive sign for the future, especially after years of steady decline!
Quality
Once again, we’re thrilled with the cup profile, year after year, thanks to the dedication of our trusted producer partners. Burundian coffee truly has something special -its unique, jammy character sets it apart. The top lots for this season predominantly come from Bourbon varieties, processed in both washed and natural methods.
Washed coffees: Expect a bright, clean cup with vibrant acidity.
Natural coffees: These deliver a fruity, sweet profile with dominant red fruit notes that burst from the cup.
Burundian coffee continues to impress with its complexity, bringing out the best of the country’s rich terroir.
Price
While we’re seeing a positive shift in both quality and quantity, prices are impacted by rising fuel costs, inflation, and the global price trends in the NYC Arabica market. These factors have led to an increase in production costs across Central Africa, including Burundi, largely due to ongoing regional conflicts. As a result, we’re seeing slightly higher prices this year. However, for roasters looking for a coffee with soul, story, and a distinctive cup profile, the value remains exceptional.
TRACEABILITY & TERROIR
ABURUNDI WASHING STATIONS
Washing stations are pivotal in improving cup profile standards and enhancing the global reputation of Burundian coffee. They ensure traceability, elevate coffee quality, and provide smallholder farmers with crucial access to specialty markets. These stations are at the heart of Burundi’s coffee identity, playing a key role in transforming the country’s coffee from a commodity to a specialty product with a distinctive profile.
BUTIHINDA WASHING STATION ‘GOLD COFFEE’
Located in Muyinga Province, Butihinda Washing Station, also known as ‘Gold Coffee’, is one of seven wet mills operated by Kalico in northern Burundi. Named after the nearby commune renowned for its gold mines, Butihinda processes cherries from approximately 1,400 smallholder farmers. The station draws water from Rushombo Mountain at an elevation of 2,000 meters, where the surrounding volcanic soil imparts a unique flavour profile to the coffee. Known for its exceptional naturals, Butihinda excels in producing coffees with remarkable depth and structure.
Butihinda Washing Station Selections in Cuprima’s Coffee Portfolio
BURUNDI – Butihinda – Washed
Species: Arabica
Variety: Bourbon
Process: Washed
SCA Score: 82-84
Cupping Notes: Dark chocolate, caramel
A rich and indulgent offering from Butihinda, this washed coffee offers deep, comforting notes of dark chocolate and smooth caramel. Perfect for those who enjoy a bold yet balanced cup.
BURUNDI – Inzahabu Mukingiro Natural
Species: Arabica
Variety: Bourbon
Process: Natural
SCA Score: 85
Cupping Notes: The Burundi Inzahabu Mukingiro coffee is beautifully balanced, with a gentle bitterness and a delicate acidity. It offers an expressive bouquet of fruity and cacao-rich aromas, making for a refined and memorable cup.
MUNKAZE WASHING STATION – FOREST GROWN LEGACY
Munkaze Coffee Wet Mill, nestled in Kayanza Province near the Kibira Forest, sits at an altitude of 1,800 to 2,000 meters, an area also known for its tea production. This family-owned wet mill has a rich history, dating back to 1938 when Ephrem Sebatigita’s grandfather, Ntirandekura, was among the first coffee growers in the region. Today, Ephrem continues the family tradition, processing coffee from two plantations in Munkaze and Rubagabaga, totaling 31,000 coffee trees. Munkaze serves as a hub for smallholders in the area, consistently producing vibrant coffees with high-altitude clarity and brightness.
BURUNDI – Munkaze – Washed
Species: Arabica
Variety: Bourbon
Process: Washed
SCA Score: 86
Cupping Notes: Stone fruits, peach, brown sugar
A beautifully clean and vibrant cup, this washed Munkaze offering shines with bright stone fruit flavors and a touch of sweetness from brown sugar. Perfect for those seeking clarity and elegance in their cup.