Burundi Hafi Natural

This natural coffee was produced in the Muyinga Province in the highlands of Burundi. Located in the Great Lakes region of East Africa, Burundi's mountains form part of the Albertine Rift in the Great Rift Valley. The country's nutrient-rich volcanic soil and frequent rainfalls contribute to the distinct, intense fruit flavors and syrupy sweetness of its coffees.

The Hafi washing station is located in a very remote part of Burundi. It's at least a six-hour drive from Bujumbura, the country's largest city and that’s if the rain hasn’t made the roads impassable. Around 2,000 smallholder farmers contribute cherry to the station. Hafi, means “close” in Kirundi. Before the washing station opened, small farmers in the area faced a 20km journey to deliver their freshly harvested cherry to the nearest wet mill. With the hilly terrain, that was too far to travel in one day.The station currently produces only natural coffees, but they are building a new wet mill for future fully washed and experimental processed lots.

This lot comes to us via native Burundian Jeanine Niyonzima-Aroian and her company JNP Coffee. Jeanine gained her MBA at Northwestern University and has over 20 years of experience in international business. She is a licensed Q grader and certified Q processor as well as a member of the SCA board of directors. Jeaninie serves as a role model for what a woman can achieve in Burundi.

"We believe that quality coffee can create a future of hope for the people of Burundi by rewarding growers, building self-esteem, and subtly shifting social norms for women and youth. We support our belief by bringing the fine coffees created by the people of Burundi to our valued clients and coffee lovers. Together we can become the model for the next generation of coffee companies and growers and move confidently toward a better future. We are here to make a difference and to experience joy in the process."

-- Jeanine Niyonzima-Aroian (JNP Coffee)