Gitwe 414, Rwanda - Washed - 250g

Gitwe – Rwanda (Honey Process)
 
Tastes like: Orange, Red Apple, Peach
Origin: Rwanda
Region: Western Province, Karambi Sector
Washing Station: Gitwe
Altitude: ~2,000 MASL
Farmers Served: 1,020 smallholders
Processing: Honey
Harvest: 2022 introduction of honey lots
Farm Size (avg): 150–6,000 trees / up to 2.5 hectares
Washing Station Size: <1 hectare
About This Coffee
Gitwe may be small, but it’s mighty. Nestled in Rwanda’s Western Province, Gitwe is the most compact of all RTC's washing stations—but also one of the most celebrated. Perched at nearly 2,000 meters above sea level, this station is surrounded by lush coffee trees, tropical fruit, and a tight-knit community of dedicated producers. The winding trail down to the station, 3 km from Gatare, sets the scene for something special.
Built in 2016 and acquired by Rwanda Trading Company (RTC) in 2018, Gitwe is a model for small-scale excellence. It processes cherries from over 1,000 local farmers, despite occupying less than a hectare itself. Farmers deliver their cherries to 15 convenient collection points, many within walking distance—a critical service for a community where many producers are elderly and farming on steep hillsides.
Gitwe’s success is rooted in community and care. Its team includes six full-time staff and around 50 seasonal workers—90% of whom are women. Each of the 1,020 contributing farmers receives support through RTC’s agronomy program, ensuring consistent quality and sustainable practices across even the smallest plots.
 
Station manager Augustin, originally from Kigali, moved to Gitwe in 2018 in search of a healthier, slower-paced life in the mountains. After recovering from health challenges, he chose to stay—and the station has flourished under his care ever since.
Gitwe is more than a place—it’s a perfect balance of scale, innovation, and heart. With the debut of its honey process lots, this tiny washing station is producing coffees with global appeal, grounded in the values of community, sustainability, and craftsmanship.