RWANDA Nyaruguru Fugi - Banana Beer Ferment

PROCESSING: Anaerobic Natural – Banana Beer Fermentation;

SCA Score: 89 points

Aroma Profile: Lactic and fruity cup with notes of strawberry, apricot, kiwi, mango, and nispero, complemented by white chocolate, delicate white floral aromas, and hazelnut liqueur.

Emmanuel Rusatira is the founder and owner of Baho Coffee, bringing extensive experience in the coffee industry gained during his 15 years working with one of Rwanda’s leading coffee export companies. In 2016, he decided to establish his own company with the vision of creating washing stations across different regions of Rwanda, allowing him to showcase a diverse range of unique coffee profiles that reflect the country’s rich terroir. Today, Baho Coffee operates 12 washing stations, maintaining exceptional quality through rigorous cherry selection and carefully controlled processing methods.

The name “Baho” comes from a Rwandan expression meaning “to have life, to be strong, and to overcome adversity” — values that deeply represent Emmanuel’s personal journey. After years of dedication and sacrifice, he built a path alongside his family and now works directly with farmers, supporting their development and continuously improving the quality and recognition of Rwandan coffee.

Fugi Washing Station is located in the Kizi Rift coffee region, in Nyaruguru District, just five minutes from the border with Burundi. Named after the nearby village, the station was established in 2013 and underwent significant expansions and modernization in 2016. Located at an altitude of 1,550 meters above sea level, the station processes high-quality coffee sourced from more than 850 local producers.

Farmers in the area typically manage between 170 and 200 coffee trees each, cultivated at elevations ranging from 1,550 to 1,850 meters. The production from these small farms averages around one and a half bags of exportable green coffee per farmer, highlighting the small-scale nature of most coffee production in Rwanda. During peak harvest season, Fugi employs approximately 70 people, including seasonal workers, part-time staff, and a permanent team responsible for washed coffee processing and quality control.