This exceptional lot from The Gachika Factory stems from 660 smallholder farmers affiliated with the Kimaratia Farmers Cooperative Society. In Kenya, coffee production typically occurs on individual family farms, each cultivating around 200-300 coffee trees alongside other crops like corn, beans, and potatoes.
During harvest, farmers gather ripe coffee cherries weekly and deliver them to local mills, or "factories," owned by their cooperative societies. Following sorting and weighing, farmers receive receipts, with payment scheduled for a later date, often amounting to 85-90 cents per dollar earned at auction. The cooperative retains the balance for operational expenses and staff wages.
Subsequently, the factory proceeds to wet-process the collected coffee, segregating batches by processing date. Notably, over 95% of Kenyan coffee undergoes full washing due to the absence of a dedicated auction category for alternative processing methods, relegating them to lower-quality classifications and prices.
This lot comprises three tree varieties: SL28, SL34, and Ruiri 11. While SL28 and SL34 are esteemed for their flavor, they are vulnerable to drought, whereas Ruiri 11 boasts drought tolerance and deep roots.
