KCRS Women Producers Crop 2026
03.02.26
Some of you may already recognise this coffee, and we’re incredibly proud to bring it back once again – this is the fourth time that we work with KCRS. If you’ve been with us for a while, you might even remember enjoying this coffee when we roasted it back in 2020.
This lot is a beautiful example of Rwandan fully washed coffee, offering a vibrant cup filled with sweet, fruity and floral notes, supported by a rich, syrupy body that develops wonderfully over time.
Beyond the flavour, this coffee represents something truly special. KCRS (Cooperative Coffee Rusiga Sector) is a women-led cooperative supported by the Kinini Washing Station. The project began when a group of women approached Jacqueline Turner, Head of Kinini, asking for help to form their own cooperative. Her promise was simple but powerful — their coffee would be marketed under their own cooperative name, helping them build recognition as skilled coffee farmers.
Today, that promise continues to transform lives. The cooperative provides women with financial independence, stability and a stronger voice both at home and in their communities. As cooperative member Marie-Chantel explains:
“Before Kinini came along, we were just women and we had to stay at home. Now we go to work and we have a voice at home. We have gained respect. We are equals now.”
Most KCRS farmers operate small family plots located over 2000 metres above sea level. These farms are incredibly diverse, often growing legumes, beans and sweet potatoes alongside coffee. While this poly-cropping spreads income across the year and supports food security, the high altitude, volcanic soils and slow cherry maturation allow the predominantly Bourbon variety to develop exceptional flavour complexity and aroma.
Processing plays a huge role in shaping this coffee’s character. After pulping, the coffee undergoes a 24-hour dry fermentation before moving into traditional wet fermentation, followed by a further 24-hour soaking stage — a method inspired by Kenyan processing techniques. This careful fully washed process helps produce a clean yet syrupy cup profile that remains beautifully structured as it ages.
We’re honoured to continue working with KCRS and to share a coffee that not only tastes outstanding but also supports meaningful and lasting change.