Rwanda – Sholi Cooperative

This coffee comes to us from the Abateraninkunga ba Sholi Cooperative in Rwanda's Muhanga District, where coffee continues to serve as a foundation for shared progress across the community. The cooperative began in 2008 with just 30 women growers who came together with a clear purpose: strengthen their local economy through collaboration, careful farming, and mutual support. The name Abateraninkunga reflects that spirit — it means "mutual assistance."

Today, the cooperative includes 334 producers, with women still playing a central role in shaping its direction. Coffee here grows at elevations between 1,800 and 2,000 meters, where cooler mountain conditions help develop the depth and sweetness Rwanda is known for.

In 2015, the cooperative became Fair Trade certified and earned recognition through the Rwanda Cup of Excellence, affirming the intention and care behind their work. For this full natural lot, ripe cherries are carefully sorted and then dried whole on raised beds at the cooperative's collectively owned washing station. Drying the fruit intact allows the coffee to develop deeper sweetness and a fuller texture while still reflecting the clarity that makes coffees from this region so distinctive.

Coffees like this remind us why relationships at origin matter. They represent people working together, supporting one another, and continuing to build something lasting through coffee — and we're grateful to share that connection in every cup.

Origin: Muhanga District, Southern Province, Rwanda · Notes: Chocolate, Toffee, Dried Apples · 1,800–2,000 MASL · Full Natural process · Red Bourbon varietal