Burundi might not be the first country that comes to mind when thinking of speciality coffee. But that’s exactly what makes it so special. Over the past decade, this small East African nation has been quietly producing some of the most intriguing and complex coffees in the world.
Here, we take a deep dive into the history, challenges, and current state of coffee production in Burundi.
From Colonisation to Speciality Fame: The Story of Coffee in a Resilient Nation
Belgian colonists first introduced coffee to Burundi in the 1920s. During this time, coffee was used as a cash crop for the benefit of overseas rulers. They replaced food crops, such as cereals, with coffee and required every farmer to grow a minimum number of coffee trees.
Following independence in 1962, the government privatised coffee production, leading to an initial boom in the industry. However, the following decades brought political instability and civil unrest, leading to a decline in the quality and production of coffee.
Civil war erupted in 1993 and ravaged Burundi’s coffee production. Farmers abandoned or uprooted coffee trees in favour of food crops as food security became a growing concern.
However, this nation and its people are resilient. In the years following the war, efforts to rebuild the coffee sector have been remarkable. Coffee producers shifted their focus to quality over quantity. This marked the beginning of Burundi’s journey into the world of speciality coffee.
In 2011, the country hosted the “Burundi Prestige Cup” – a national competition to identify and reward the country’s best coffees. Organisers kept lots from different washing stations separate and evaluated them based on quality. For the first time, there was an incentive for washing stations and farmers alike to push for excellence.
Many washing stations can now sell their coffees directly which is a huge step forward for quality, transparency, and the recognition of individual producers in Burundi.
What Makes Coffee From Burundi So Unique?
Burundi’s geography makes it exceptionally well-suited to growing speciality coffee. High altitudes, nutrient-rich volcanic soils, and a temperate climate create the perfect environment for growing coffee. But what's truly special is the people behind it.
Coffee in Burundi is grown almost exclusively by smallholder farmers, often with fewer than 200 trees per family. There are no large coffee estates here – instead, communities come together to deliver their cherries to local washing stations for processing. The state currently owns around two-thirds of the 160 washing stations across the country.
What Coffee Varieties Are Grown in Burundi?
Burundi is typically known for its high-quality Bourbon varieties – celebrated for their complexity, sweetness, and vibrant acidity. You’ll occasionally find Jackson and Mibirizi varieties mixed in there too, contributing to the nuanced flavour profiles that have become associated with the region.
What Does Coffee from This Region Taste Like?
Burundi produces coffees that are typically sweet, well-bodied and have a clean, juicy acidity to them. You may find notes of red berries, citrus fruits, and even a hint of spice or chocolate, depending on the region and altitude.
Higher elevations tend to produce brighter, more citrusy cups. Lower altitudes yield richer, chocolatey and nutty profiles. Either way, their remarkable clarity and depth have earned Burundi coffees a place on the worldwide stage.
How Coffee Shapes Lives and Communities in Burundi
Burundi is among the world's poorest nations, with much of its population dependent on agriculture. Coffee and tea exports account for nearly 90% of the country's foreign exchange earnings. For many in Burundi, coffee isn’t just a livelihood – it’s the lifeline that keeps families fed, and communities thriving.
Supporting Burundi’s coffee farmers means more than just enjoying a delicious cup – it’s a vote for economic prosperity, sustainability, and hope.
Why This East African Origin Deserves Your Attention
Burundi may be one of Africa’s smaller countries, but it has been quietly producing some exceptional coffees. With every harvest, we’re seeing more character, more traceability, and a greater dedication to quality.
We hope that as more people discover the exceptional coffees this region produces, more value makes its way back to the producers who grow it. Every cup supports their craft, communities, and the future of speciality coffee in this remarkable country.
If you haven’t yet tried coffee from this origin, we encourage you to give it a go. Every sip has a story – and trust us, it’s one worth telling.