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Specialty Coffee Beans

We aim to bring high quality, ethically sourced green coffee beans from the small growers to the world of coffee enthusiasts.

 

The global specialty coffee market refers to the segment of the coffee industry that focuses on high-quality, premium coffee beans, often with a strong emphasis on sustainability, ethical sourcing, and traceability. Specialty coffee is generally considered to be of superior quality compared to regular coffee. Specialty coffee as designated by the Specialty Coffee Association (SCA) scores 80 or above on a 100-point cupping scale and has 0 primary defects and no more than 5 secondary defects per 350-gram test sample. 

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The global coffee market is one of the largest and most dynamic commodity markets, valued at over $100 billion annually. Coffee is consumed worldwide, with demand driven by both developed and developing countries. Here's an overview of the market: 

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Production

  • Bigger Producers: Coffee is predominantly produced in tropical countries, with the largest producers being Brazil, Vietnam, Colombia, Indonesia, and Ethiopia. Brazil alone accounts for over a third of the world’s coffee production. 

  • Smaller Producers: East African countries such as; Rwanda, Burundi and Uganda are gaining a strong reputation in the specialty bean market. Smaller volumes but large flavour profiles, with a range of commercial specialty beans to an ultimate bean that ranks among the world's best. 

  • Types of Coffee Beans: There are two main types of coffee beans: 

                      Arabica: Known for its sweeter, more complex flavor and lower caffeine content. It makes

                                    up around 60-70% of global coffee production. 

                     Robusta: Hardier and cheaper to grow, with a more bitter taste and higher caffeine content.

                                    It accounts for about 30-40% of production.

Consumption 

  • Key Consumers: The largest coffee-consuming countries are the U.S., Brazil, Germany, Japan, and Italy. Europe and North America are the largest markets, but consumption is growing rapidly in Asia-Pacific and the Middle East.  

  • Trends: There is increasing demand for specialty coffee, organic coffee, and sustainability-certified coffee, such as Fair Trade or Rainforest Alliance certified. This trend is driven by consumer preferences for quality, ethical sourcing, and environmental concerns.  

 

Trade and Pricing  

  • Global Trade: Coffee is one of the most traded commodities globally, with significant exports coming from developing countries and imports into developed nations. The coffee supply chain includes producers, exporters, roasters, and retailers.  

  • Pricing: Coffee prices are influenced by factors such as weather conditions (frosts or droughts can damage crops), geopolitical instability in producing regions, and market speculation. Coffee futures are traded on major commodities exchanges such as the Intercontinental Exchange (ICE).  

  • Price Volatility: Coffee prices are highly volatile, affected by supply shocks (e.g., bad harvests in Brazil) and demand trends. The price of coffee is typically quoted per pound.  

 

Sustainability  

  • Environmental Impact: Coffee farming can have significant environmental impacts, including deforestation, water usage, and pesticide use. Efforts are being made to promote more sustainable farming practices.  

  • Certifications: Many coffee brands are increasingly aligning with sustainability standards, offering Fair Trade, Organic, and Rainforest Alliance-certified coffee. These certifications ensure ethical sourcing, better wages for farmers, and reduced environmental impact. 

Growth Drivers and Challenges 

  • Urbanization and Lifestyle Changes: Rising incomes, urbanization, and changing consumer preferences (e.g., preference for café culture) are driving growth, particularly in emerging markets.  
     

  • Climate Change: One of the biggest threats to coffee production is climate change, which affects the growing regions. Rising temperatures and changing rainfall patterns are making traditional coffee-growing areas less suitable for production.  

  • Competition and Market Saturation: While the global coffee market is large, it is also highly competitive, with many brands and products vying for consumer attention.  

 

 Future Outlook  

  • Asia-Pacific Growth: Countries like China, India, and South Korea are seeing rapid growth in coffee consumption. Traditionally tea-drinking regions are embracing coffee culture, especially among younger generations.  

  • Specialty Coffee: The rise of specialty coffee (higher-quality, often single-origin) and third-wave coffee shops is expected to continue driving growth in mature markets.  

  • Health Consciousness: As consumers become more health-conscious, low-caffeine or decaffeinated coffee options are seeing an uptick in demand.  

 

The global coffee market remains vibrant, with evolving consumer preferences and significant opportunities for growth in emerging regions.

 

Rwandan Coffee

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Canadian Global Initiative is currently forming relationships with Rwandan coffee producers, to bring their specialty beans to market. Rwanda's Natural Agricultural Export Development Board helps to maintain export standard of consistent quality, as well as, helping the farms improve and progress their processes.

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Rwandan coffee is renowned for its high quality and distinctive flavours, often described as bright, fruity, and floral. Grown in the high-altitude regions of Rwanda, typically between 1,200 to 2,000 meters above sea level, the country's coffee benefits from ideal growing conditions such as volcanic soil, a temperate climate, and ample rainfall. Rwanda is located in East Africa, part of the "Coffee Belt," which stretches through the tropics and is known for producing some of the world's best coffee.

Here are some key aspects of Rwandan coffee:

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Bourbon Variety

Rwandan coffee is primarily of the Bourbon variety, a type of Arabica coffee plant known for its complex and sweet flavors. The Bourbon coffee trees in Rwanda often produce beans with a silky texture, balanced acidity, and a rich sweetness that can carry notes of citrus, berries, and florals.

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 Flavor Profile

The flavor profile of Rwandan coffee is often complex, with tasting notes that can include:

  • Citrus (such as orange or lemon)

  • Red fruits (like cherry or raspberry)

  • Floral hints (jasmine, tea-like notes)

  • Sweetness (honey or caramel)

The cup is typically balanced, with a medium to full body and bright acidity.

 

 Smallholder Farming

Over 90% of Rwanda's coffee is produced by smallholder farmers who typically grow coffee on small plots of land, often less than a hectare. These farmers rely on coffee as a crucial source of income, and many are organized into cooperatives, which help them access better markets and improve processing practices.

 

 Coffee Processing

Rwandan coffee is usually processed using the washed method (wet processing), which tends to highlight the clean and vibrant flavors of the beans. After harvest, the cherries are depulped, fermented, and washed, then dried in the sun on raised beds. This meticulous process ensures the highest quality beans are selected for export.

 

 Impact of the Coffee Sector

Coffee plays a vital role in Rwanda's economy, being one of its largest exports. After the 1994 genocide, coffee production and quality were improved with significant support from international development organizations. Programs focused on enhancing quality control, investing in washing stations, and supporting farmers helped elevate Rwanda’s coffee industry to global recognition.

 

 Specialty Coffee

Rwanda is a rising star in the specialty coffee industry. Rwandan coffees are frequently featured in competitions such as the Cup of Excellence and are highly sought after by specialty coffee roasters around the world. The country's coffee is often sold as single-origin, highlighting the unique characteristics of beans from specific regions or cooperatives.

 

 Sustainability and Fair Trade

Many Rwandan coffee farmers participate in Fair Trade and Rainforest Alliance certified programs, which ensure they receive fair compensation for their labor while promoting environmentally friendly farming practices. Sustainable farming methods are crucial for preserving the rich biodiversity of Rwanda’s highland areas.

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Rwandan coffee’s unique flavor and the dedication of its farmers have earned it a growing reputation globally, making it a must-try for coffee enthusiasts seeking a vibrant and well-balanced cup.

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