Known for producing some of the most celebrated coffees among RTC’s Rwandan specialty lots, Gitwe is also the smallest washing station operated by RTC in the Western Province. Spanning less than 1 hectare, it sits atop a mountain valley at nearly 2,000 meters above sea level. Located just 3 km from Gatare and near the town of Kamina in the Karambi sector, Gitwe takes its name from the land on which it is built. The trail to the station, lined with healthy coffee trees and tropical fruit, offers a scenic descent from the road above.
Built in 2016 and acquired by RTC in 2018, the station employs six full-time staff and around 50 seasonal workers, 90% of whom are women.
Despite its small size, Gitwe processes cherries from 1,020 farmers, producing 500 tons annually of high-scoring specialty coffee. Farmers, whose plots range from 150 to 6,000 coffee trees (up to 2.5 hectares), receive training through RTC’s agronomy program. With most farms located 2-3 km from the station and many farmers being elderly with limited mobility, RTC operates 15 cherry collection points to support the community.
Station manager Augustin, originally from Kigali, relocated to Gitwe in 2018 for its fresh mountain air and rural lifestyle after recovering from health issues. He now lives near the station and has remained healthy since the move.
Excitingly, 2022 marks a new chapter for Gitwe with the introduction of honey-processed lots, adding an innovative twist to their already exceptional coffee production. For those eagerly awaiting Gitwe’s fresh crop each year, this season promises something truly special.
Attributes:
| Cup Score | 86 |
| Cup Profile |
Peach Iced Tea,Red Apples,Lemon Sherbert
|
| Altitude | 2000 |
| Process | Washed |
| Varietal | Red Bourbon |
