The Cyato coffee processing station is located at an altitude of about 1,850 meters above sea level in the Nyamasheke district, Cyato sector, in western Rwanda. ‎
This region is close to the Nyungwe forest, known for its fertile soils – black humus and sand, which create ideal conditions for growing coffee. ‎
The presence of Lake Kivu provides a cool and humid climate at altitude, which is a key factor in producing high-quality coffee. Slow drying in such conditions contributes to the development of a rich taste, pleasant aroma and increases the shelf life of the coffee. ‎
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Since 2019, the Tsiato station has been owned and operated by the company ‎
Tropic Coffee. The coffee berries are supplied by the Abadatezuca Farmers’ Cooperative, which has 256 members (50% women) growing coffee on over 110 hectares of land. The farmers are organized into well-organized groups that receive training in better coffee growing methods, including pollinator conservation and increased yields. They do not use synthetic fertilizers or pesticides to protect the lives of pollinating insects, including bees, which play an important role in shaping the quality of the coffee. The presence of wild bees in the Nyungwe forest, where Tsiato coffee is grown, gives it a unique flavor profile. During pollination, bees transfer beneficial microorganisms to the flowers, which contributes to more uniform development of the berries and improves the taste of the coffee. Studies have shown that pollination by bees can increase yields by 36-50%. TropicCoffee Ltd is a family business founded in 2015, operating in 3 regions of Rwanda. Tropic Coffee supports the local population by: ‎
Establishing coffee nurseries to increase production. ‎
Achieving UTZ certification for ‎
farmers, ‎
Supporting women’s groups to produce handicrafts during the off-season. ‎