SUITABLE AS: Espresso / Filter Coffee
BEST AS: Espresso (Black) / Filter (Black)
Washing Station: Agri-Evolve Nyabirongo
Producer: Nyabirongo Smallholders
Origin: Nyabirongo, Uganda
Region: Rwenzori Mountains
Cultivar: SL14/SL28
Process: Washed
Flavour Description: Ceylon Tea, Tangerine, Apricot
ABOUT THIS COFFEE
The story of Agri Evolve started in 2010 at Reading University, UK. Johnny Rowland, a budding Agronomist studying Tropical Agriculture, heard his parents recount inspiring stories from their time spent living and working in rural Uganda. Johnny decided it was something he wanted to experience for himself post-university. Johnny, joined by his childhood friend James Wilkinson (Now owner and Director of Omwani Coffee Co) decided they would travel to the Rwenzori mountains to try their hand at creating agricultural projects, and in the process founded Agri Evolve.
Johnny & James set their sights on working to support entire communities of farmers, maximising the positive impact that they could bring to the Rwenzoris. A consistent problem presented itself for farmers based in the Rwenzoris. They had coffee, but no access to basic harvesting or processing facilities. This (coupled with traders offering often unfair prices for their crops in a quick cash grab) set the scene for a positive actor to enter the region and transform coffee.
This opportunity for Johnny and James to work alongside farmers was exactly what they were looking for: Offering an outlet for farmers to sell their unprocessed coffee, take ownership of the quality control and together improve the reputation of the coffee produced in the Rwenzori. They guaranteed a fair market price and their long-term presence attracted international attention from buyers around the world. Rwenzori coffee had been reinstated on the global coffee map.
Nyabirongo is one of the newest washing stations in Uganda, producing coffee since 2022. The station was set up as part of Agri-Evolve, which was co-founded by James Wilkinson (now owner of Omwani Coffee).
At the time of Nyabirongo's inception, Harmony's co-founder, Olivia, travelled out to Uganda with Omwani Coffee (where she was working at the time) to help muck in with the harvest, and aided in facilitating the very first production from this washing station, where she met with many of the local smallholders. We have bought from Nyabirongo every harvest since.
As you can imagine, this project is very close to our hearts and one that we are excited to share.
