Origins
East African Coffee Origins
Tanzania
Tanzania Coffee Board (TCB), with the auction system centred on Moshi
Washed Arabica from the northern and southern highlands, plus dry-processed Robusta from Kagera.
- Species
- Arabica · Robusta
- Harvest
- June–October in the south; July–December in the north
- Processing
- Fully washed · Natural · Honey (limited)
- Export window
- August through to the following June, peaking October–March
- Key regions
- Kilimanjaro · Arusha · Mbeya
- Grades
- AA · A · AB · B
- Altitude
- 1,000–2,000 m (Arabica typically 1,400–1,900 m)
- Ports
- Dar es Salaam · Tanga
Select an origin
Six origins, six grading systems
Each card shows the main species, typical processing, major growing regions, harvest period and the grades most often quoted.
Tanzania
ArabicaRobustaWashed Arabica from the northern and southern highlands, plus dry-processed Robusta from Kagera.
- Processing
- Fully washed · Natural
- Regions
- Kilimanjaro · Arusha · Mbeya
- Harvest
- June–October in the south; July–December in the north
- Grades
- AA · A · AB · B · C
- Altitude
- 1,000–2,000 m (Arabica typically 1,400–1,900 m)
Uganda
RobustaArabicaOne of Africa’s largest Robusta origins, with washed and natural Arabica from Mount Elgon, Rwenzori and West Nile.
- Processing
- Natural (Robusta) · Washed Arabica (WUGAR)
- Regions
- Mount Elgon (Bugisu) · Rwenzori · West Nile (Okoro)
- Harvest
- Robusta main crop November–February with a fly crop April–July; Elgon Arabica October–February
- Grades
- Screen 18 · Screen 17 · Screen 15 · FAQ · Bugisu AA
- Altitude
- Robusta 900–1,500 m; Arabica 1,300–2,300 m
Kenya
ArabicaFully washed Arabica graded by bean size and density, traded largely through the Nairobi Coffee Exchange.
- Processing
- Fully washed with soak · Mbuni (natural)
- Regions
- Nyeri · Kirinyaga · Murang’a
- Harvest
- Main crop October–December; early (fly) crop May–July
- Grades
- E · AA · AB · PB · C
- Altitude
- 1,400–2,100 m
Ethiopia
ArabicaThe genetic home of Arabica, supplying washed and natural lots traceable to washing station and district.
- Processing
- Fully washed · Natural (sun-dried)
- Regions
- Yirgacheffe · Sidama · Guji
- Harvest
- October–January, varying by region and altitude
- Grades
- Grade 1 · Grade 2 · Grade 3 · Grade 4 · Grade 5
- Altitude
- 1,500–2,300 m
Rwanda
ArabicaBourbon-dominant washed Arabica, traceable to individual coffee washing stations across a compact highland country.
- Processing
- Fully washed · Natural (growing)
- Regions
- Lake Kivu (Rutsiro, Karongi, Nyamasheke, Rusizi) · Huye & Nyamagabe · Nyaruguru
- Harvest
- March–July, with the peak in April and May
- Grades
- Grade 1 (fully washed) · Grade 2 · Screen 15+ · Screen 16+
- Altitude
- 1,400–2,000 m
Burundi
ArabicaWashed Bourbon Arabica from hillside washing stations, frequently traceable to the individual colline.
- Processing
- Fully washed with soak · Natural (limited)
- Regions
- Kayanza · Ngozi · Kirundo
- Harvest
- March–July
- Grades
- Grade A · Grade B · Screen 15+ · Screen 16+
- Altitude
- 1,400–2,000 m
Compared
At a glance
The differences that actually drive a purchase decision.
| Origin | Species | Processing | Harvest | Grading basis | Port |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tanzania | Arabica, Robusta | Fully washed, Natural | June–October in the south; July–December in the north | AA, A, AB, B | Dar es Salaam |
| Uganda | Robusta, Arabica | Natural (Robusta), Washed Arabica (WUGAR) | Robusta main crop November–February with a fly crop April–July; Elgon Arabica October–February | Screen 18, Screen 17, Screen 15, FAQ | Mombasa (Northern Corridor) |
| Kenya | Arabica | Fully washed with soak, Mbuni (natural) | Main crop October–December; early (fly) crop May–July | E, AA, AB, PB | Mombasa |
| Ethiopia | Arabica | Fully washed, Natural (sun-dried) | October–January, varying by region and altitude | Grade 1, Grade 2, Grade 3, Grade 4 | Djibouti (primary transit port) |
| Rwanda | Arabica | Fully washed, Natural (growing) | March–July, with the peak in April and May | Grade 1 (fully washed), Grade 2, Screen 15+, Screen 16+ | Mombasa (Northern Corridor) |
| Burundi | Arabica | Fully washed with soak, Natural (limited) | March–July | Grade A, Grade B, Screen 15+, Screen 16+ | Dar es Salaam (Central Corridor) |