Rwanda: Gitesi

Highlights

“Nestled in the rolling hills of Rwanda's Western Province, Gitesi Washing Station was founded by father-and-son team Alexis and Aime Gahizi in 2006. Today, more than 1,800 smallholder farmers deliver freshly harvested cherries to Gitesi, where every delivery is carefully hand-sorted before production. Whether processed as classic washed or fruit-forward natural, meticulous attention is given at every stage from floating and density sorting to slow drying on traditional African raised beds. Rwanda's cool harvest season provides ideal conditions for controlled fermentation, creating exceptional clarity and sweetness. Engineer Aime Gahizi developed an advanced wastewater treatment system that has become a model for washing stations across Rwanda. Certified by both Rainforest Alliance and C.A.F.E. Practices, Gitesi reinvests in its community through free coffee seedlings, organic fertilizer, farming equipment, financial training, health insurance, and performance bonuses. Their unique cow program passes the first calf to another farming family, creating lasting economic cycles that strengthen the entire community.”