Rwanda Gasharu Natural Nº 183

The Gasharu washing station is unique in the area in that it is owned and operated by people who live and work in the region itself. There are many multinationals that buy up smallholder coffees and who have direct access to large markets. Whilst Gasharu are unable to compete on the tight margins and agressive pricing of these companies, they can compete when it comes to quality, traceability and integrity. When Celestin Rumenerangabo, Gasharu's founder, bought his first plot of land, he planted 380 trees and sold his coffee in 'cups' - thought to be the equivalent to 1kg but there were no scales available. The Gasharu washing station is unique in the area in that it is owned and operated by people who live and work in the region itself. There are many multinationals who buy up smallholder coffees and who have direct access to large markets. Whilst Gasharu are unable to compete on the tight margins and aggressive pricing of these companies, they can compete when it comes to quality, traceability and integrity. When Celestin Rumenerangabo, Gasharu's founder, bought his first plot of land, he planted 380 trees and sold his coffee in 'cups' - thought to be the equivalent to 1kg but there were no scales available.