DR Congo Kivu Organic RFA Natural - Kahondo

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Bag Weight 60 KG BAG
Harvest Season 2025/26
Status ETA Jul 2026
Lot Number P614960-2
  • 60 Bag(s)
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About This Coffee

Kahondo Coffee Washing Station (CWS) is one of 9 washing stations belonging to Virunga Coffee Company, setup by Schluter (now Covoya Europe) in 2012 to produce high quality coffees for the specialty market and increase premiums for the thousands of smallholder farmers in the region. The strategy for Virunga has been three-fold: 1) To increase production through good agronomic practice 2) to improve quality through education and strict guidelines for production and processing 3) to obtain internationally recognised certification in order to generate better revenue for farmers.

Situated at 1742 masl, Kahondo station takes its name from the village in which it is situated. It produces fully washed and honey processed Kivu 3 and is Rainforest Alliance certified. Fully washed coffee is fermented for 18-24 hours before washing and then dried under shade on raised African beds. A rigorous selection process happens at every stage of production to ensure the highest quality coffee. Main crop from September through November with fly crop in March.

Country of Origin Democratic Republic of Congo
Region North Kivu
Producer Type Washing Station
Farm Name Various producers
Wet Mill Kahondo CWS
Processing Natural/Dry Processed
Processing Description Sun-dried on raised beds
Growing Altitude 1500m - 1900m
Harvest Season 2025/26
Bag Weight 60 KG BAG
Bag Type Grain Pro / Ecotact
Plant Species Arabica
Variety Bourbon
Certifications Rainforest Alliance Certified (IP), Organic certified

History of Coffee in DR Congo

Although commercial production of green coffee did not begin in Congo in any meaningful way until the end of the nineteenth century, Robusta has been known to grow wild throughout the region for so long that 100 years ago Robusta was sometimes called “Congo coffee” regardless of where it was grown. In 1895, a well-known botanist, professor Lament, toured the country and declared it so suitable for growing coffee that it could become a “second Brazil," and Arabica plantings increased dramatically. By 1905, half a million coffee plants were under cultivation and exports reached 41 tons. 

Growing Coffee in DR Congo

Traditionally a Robusta producer, in recent years, Arabica from the highland areas has begun to attract attention from specialty coffee roasters. With development commitments from large roasters and quality development assistance from coffee traders like Schluter (now Olam Specialty Coffee Europe), DR Congo is now on the specialty coffee map. Washing stations have appeared in every growing region over the last five years and the country has hosted cupping events. 

  • Region North Kivu
  • Farm Name Various producers
  • Producer Type Washing Station
  • Wet Mill Kahondo CWS
  • Processing Natural/Dry Processed
  • Processing Description Sun-dried on raised beds
  • Bag Type Grain Pro / Ecotact
  • Plant Species Arabica
  • Variety Bourbon
  • Min Growing Altitude 1500m
  • Max Growing Altitude 1900m
  • On Sale No
  • Top Lot No
  • Status Afloat
  • Certifications Rainforest Alliance Certified (IP), Organic certified
  • Coffee Grade DRC CA WA KIVU G3
  • CTRM Contract Number P614960-2
  • Country of Origin Democratic Republic of Congo
  • Warehouse Continental NJ