In The Cup
There are two things that particularly impact the delicious cup profile of this coffee, and they are the process, being a natural, and the varieties, SL28 and SL1...
In The Cup
There are two things that particularly impact the delicious cup profile of this coffee, and they are the process, being a natural, and the varieties, SL28 and SL14. Both these things mean that this coffee is a fruity little fella! We are really enjoying berry notes like raspberry and blackcurrant, some stone fruit notes like stewed plums along with a sweet, easy going brown sugar vibe like caramel.
The Story
Agri Evolve is a profit-for-purpose business dedicated to enhancing the productivity and profitability of farmers in Uganda. By focusing on higher yields, better quality, and effective marketing, they aim to improve the income of farmers, their families, and communities and their commitment extends to the local communities and the environment of the Rwenzori region.
Since 2018, they have been importing green coffee beans from this region to the UK. Their collaboration with farmers has led to significant improvements in the production of specialty arabica coffee, now recognised as some of the finest in East Africa. The coffee, available in both Natural and Washed, is known for its cleanliness, balance, good body, and fruity notes. In 2022, they established their own factory at Nyabirongo, equipped with wet and dry mill facilities. This allows them to oversee the entire production process, from the arrival of freshly harvested coffee from farmers to the grading, packing, and dispatch of finished green coffee beans to global markets. Their efforts are rooted in a deep commitment to sustainable practices and the well-being of the communities they serve.
Social and Environmental
Agri Evolve is dedicated to fostering sustainable agriculture by enhancing farmer yields and incomes, while prioritising both community and environmental well-being. Their ACE programme, encapsulated in the strapline ‘Farming for a better future’, outlines their objectives for the upcoming decade. They have assembled a specialised team focused on addressing community and environmental challenges, closely interconnected with our agricultural initiatives. The primary goal of the scheme is to drive continuous improvement in the livelihoods of their member farmers and communities, as well as enhance Agri Evolve’s performance. By integrating these priorities, they strive to create a harmonious balance between agricultural advancement and the preservation of their communities and the environment, ensuring a prosperous and sustainable future for all stakeholders involved.
If you are interested in reading more about their initiatives then you can find more here: https://agrievolve.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Website-ACE-programme-update-16th-september-.pdf
The Varieties
SL28 and SL14 are two prominent Arabica coffee varieties developed in Kenya by Scott Agricultural Laboratories (hence “SL”). These cultivars are renowned for their resilience and distinctive cup profiles, making them favorites among specialty coffee producers and aficionados.
SL28, developed in the 1930s, is especially admired for its drought resistance and exceptional cup quality. It is genetically traced back to Bourbon and Ethiopian landrace varieties. SL28 typically produces beans with complex acidity, vibrant citrus and berry notes, and a silky body—hallmarks of high-elevation Kenyan coffees.
SL14, selected around the same period, is more common in Uganda and other East African countries. It is appreciated for its resistance to diseases like coffee leaf rust and its adaptability to varying altitudes. While generally considered less complex than SL28, SL14 still offers a clean, sweet cup with subtle fruit and floral notes.
Together, SL28 and SL14 represent the backbone of many East African coffee farms. Farmers often grow them side by side to balance cup quality with agricultural resilience, ensuring both high yields and rich flavors. These varieties continue to influence breeding programs and shape the global perception of East African coffees
The Processing
Ripe, red coffee cherries are harvested daily during the harvest season and taken to Ibanda village where they are received by Agri Partner, Salastial Masereka. There, cherries are weighed, assessed for quality and the farmers are paid in cash. From here trucks carry the cherries to our coffee station at Nyabirongo where the cherries are floated and graded before being sun-dried on raised beds. The teams there turn the cherries several times each day to ensure even drying whilst allowing the cherries to mature and develop their full rich flavours.