Burundi Bumba Hill 2

We are quite lucky to get hold of a small amount of this exceptional coffee thanks to our relationship with Osito Coffee and the Long Miles Project.

It is a lovely sweet coffee with plumbs, stewed fruits and a long finish. Great as an espresso and filter but suited to all brew methods.

The Long Miles Coffee Project was founded in 2011 by Ben and Kristy Carlson. This coffee initiative was created to provide better agricultural support to coffee growers in Burundi, giving roasters all around the world access to high-quality and unique coffees from the region that were previously more difficult to obtain. Bumba is a specific region near Long Miles’ newest washing station, Ninga, and is one of the most remote communities within the project. This specific lot comes from approximately 620 different farmers living on and around Bumba Hill.

You have to cross over three rivers and pass by two province borders to reach Bumba hill. The farming communities that call Bumba home are far beyond the reach of clean drinking water and electricity. Coffee is the most important crop grown on the hill, closely competing with corn and beans. Step closer to the centre of the hill and you’ll find a local market where people sell baskets full of freshly harvested crops and trade other household essentials. Only one primary school stands tall on Bumba hill.

Burundi is a significant coffee producer, ranking among the top coffee-growing countries globally.

Burundi's coffee industry is a vital cash crop for the nation, relying heavily on smallholder farmers and contributing a significant portion of its export earnings. While the country has a growing reputation for high-quality, specialty Arabica coffees, particularly the Bourbon varietal, the industry faces challenges like expensive and difficult transportation due to its landlocked status, infrastructure limitations, and price instability. Efforts are underway to improve the sector, including privatizing washing stations and renewed government focus on guiding the specialty market. 

Coffee accounts for roughly 90% of Burundi's foreign exchange earnings, though it has faced export quantity fluctuations. Around 600,000 to 800,000 families depend on coffee farming for their income. The country is improving its specialty coffee production and infrastructure, with support from organizations like the World Bank.

The majority of coffee grown is Arabica, with the Bourbon varietal being particularly sought after for its smooth, sweet flavour.