Burundi Remera

Notes from the importer: 

Burundi is a small, landlocked nation in East Africa, bordered by Tanzania, Rwanda, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and Lake Tanganyika—the deepest lake in Africa and the second-largest freshwater lake in the world. Spanning nearly 28,000 square kilometers, Burundi is one of the continent’s most densely populated countries, with nearly 13 million people. The vast majority of the population relies on subsistence farming, making cash crops like coffee and tea vital lifelines that provide the income necessary for education, livestock, and essential household needs.

Reaching the coffee heartland requires flying into Bujumbura, the capital and site of the country’s only paved airport. This low-elevation region is characterized by hot, dry conditions and rice cultivation. A two-hour drive from the capital leads to the town of Kayanza, reaching the farms of the Remera community—named after the hill where they are situated—requires an additional hour of travel over rugged dirt roads.

Near the Kayanza area is located the Umoco washing station which serves as the central hub for all surrounding communities. Its name means “light” in Kirundi, Burundi’s official language. Producers typically deliver their cherries to Umoco on foot, though some utilize bicycles or motorcycles. Coffee here is grown almost entirely in full sun, and because fertilizers are often cost-prohibitive, families rely on a variety of subsistence crops, including bananas, maize, cassava, and beans.

Processing at the station involves a double fermentation method: the coffee undergoes 12 hours of wet fermentation followed by an additional 12 hours in cement tanks. The parchment is then dried for 20 to 25 days on traditional African raised beds.

These coffees thrive at exceptional altitudes ranging from 1,800 to 2,200 meters above sea level, rooted in rich red clay soils. The region borders the Kibira National Forest, where the dense canopy creates cooler temperatures and higher rainfall than other Burundian coffee regions. Known locally as the “up country,” this area also holds deep historical significance as the burial site of Burundi’s former kings, whose graves are sheltered by towering indigenous trees.

Operating in Burundi presents extreme challenges. It remains one of the world's poorest nations, with a per capita GDP often estimated between 10 and 20 USD. This poverty is inextricably linked to systemic issues such as food insecurity, ethnic conflict, and political instability, all of which complicate the development of reliable, long-term trade relationships.

Government involvement often adds complexity to the sector rather than relief. Heavy bureaucracy and frequent regulatory changes create uncertainty for producers. Furthermore, the national coffee authority, ODECA, acts as both a regulator and a producer, creating a conflict of interest that makes profitability difficult for all but the highest-volume or highest-quality farmers.

Despite these significant obstacles, many Burundian producers continue to build resilient, quality-focused operations. Red Fox is dedicated to supporting these efforts by developing new markets, ensuring producers can access competitive prices and secure more sustainable futures for their families.