Rwanda Mushaka Grade 1

Mushaka Wetmill, located in the scenic Rusizi District of Rwanda's Western Province, is situated at an elevation of 1,800 meters above sea level. Located near the shores of Lake Kivu, this privately owned washing station was established in 2017 by Beathe Nyirankunzurwanda. Before building the station, Beathe had been a local trader of ordinary coffee and various other products. Her interest in specialty coffee processing grew as she observed many others investing in the coffee sector. Starting small, with only basic equipment, she processed just one container of cherries in her first year of operation. However, her rapid learning curve and ambitious spirit propelled her forward, and by the following season in 2018, she had expanded production to over three containers. Together with her son, Beathe has continued to invest in the wet mill, increasing its capacity each season and driving the growth of her business. Mushaka focuses exclusively on fully washed coffee, a process that highlights the beans' clarity and brightness. Using a Penagos pulping machine, the cherries are pulped before undergoing dry fermentation. The beans are then spread out to dry on raised beds for an extended period, ranging from 15 to 22 days. In addition to her focus on quality, Beathe has demonstrated a deep commitment to continuous improvement at the wet mill. By working closely with local farmers and making strategic investments in her equipment and processes, she has successfully grown Mushaka from a small, modest operation into a respected producer of specialty coffee.