Lippe Kaffe - Tanzania

Origin

Ilomba washing station in the Mbozi district of south-Mbeya, Tanzania

Variety

Bourbon

Processing

Washed

Altitude

1850-1900 masl

Roast Profile

Omni-Roast

Cafe Mokxa

Large and full-bodied.

Notes of Plum, Nougat and Dark Chocolate. A solid and sweet coffee with medium intense flavor and aroma.

Coffee Facts

Ilomba washing station is located in Ilomba village in the Mbozi district of south-Mbeya, Tanzania.

The coffee come from a group of smallholder coffee farmers of the Ilomba Best Coffee Group. The group was initially formed in the 2000s under Kilicafe (Technoserve) with the aim of improving coffee production and marketing. After years of working under the patronage of Technoserve, the group managed to produce 40 metric tones (MT) of coffee in 2012.

However, in the same year, Technoserve ended the program to support the group. As such, the production fell from a 40 MT to only 4 MT the following season. This was mainly due to lack of operating capital as the group could not be trusted by financiers after the departure of Technoserve. In 2013, the group entered into business relationship with Tembo Coffee Company, which assisted the renovation of the washing station as well as providing agro-inputs. After the recovery in 2014/15 season, the group produced more than 20 MT of CPU coffee up from the 4 MT the previous year.

The group has 24 members who are constantly working to help improve coffee production and trade, not only for its members but also helps to invest in the neighbouring farms to lift the whole area.

The cherries are separated and sorted for unripes and overripes before they go in to production. An eco-pulper removes the skin and pulp and the coffee is soaked overnight for 12 hours. The coffee is then graded into 3 grades, A, B and C. The drying is done on African drying beds for up to 20 days. Coffees are covered in plastic during midday and at night, and in case of rain