Our favourite feline is back, bringing brew’d tidings from the Gitesi Washing Station. Grown in Rwanda’s Western Province and processed at the family-run Gitesi Washing Station, this festive coffee is the result of generations of farming knowledge and years of dedication. Founded in 2005 by father and son Alexis and Aime Gahizi, Gitesi has become a model for sustainable and community-driven coffee production, with over 1800 smallholder farmers contributing cherries each season. Gitesi ensures they receive the highest quality coffee by focussing on shared success with their farmers, introducing social initiatives such as an annual distribution of cows. Every first-born calf is then given to another farmer, unifying the community as well as providing additional income. They also provide health insurance, free coffee trees from their nursery, support and training in sustainable agriculture, and distribution of fertilisers, as well as offering performance based bonus schemes. Additionally, the station takes pride in their environmentally responsible practices. Gitesi is Rainforest Alliance certified, with modern wastewater management systems spearheaded by Aime, who has a background in engineering. Cherries are carefully sorted and pulped, and undergo a meticulous fermentation and washing process before being dried on raised African beds for up to 15 days. The resulting coffee is clean, elegant and vibrant - truly worthy of your best holiday mug.
