Ruchu AA
Ruchu Gacharage FCS was formed in 1961, even before Kenyan Independence. They operate five factories: Mukangu, Ruona, Gacharage, Kamichee and Ruchu with total membership of around 3,715 smallholder producers, 700 of which deliver cherries to the Ruchu Factory. Ruchu is in an ideal location, not too far from the mid-sized township or Kandara and overlooking the Ruchu River, from where it draws water for pulping and washing coffee. Although the factory is smaller in size, it is sufficient to serve the surrounding community.
- Farm Ruchu Factory
- Varietal Batian, Ruiru 11, SL 28
- Process Fully washed
- Altitude 1,650 metres above sea level
- Town / City Kandara
- Region Murang’a County, Central Province
- Owner 700 smallholder producers
- Tasting Notes Mulled wine, dark chocolate, grapefruit
Despite its proximity to the birthplace of coffee, Ethiopia, coffee growing was introduced in Kenya relatively late – by Scottish missionaries, initially, and then commercially around 1900. Despite the late start, today, it is a country renowned for having some of the best coffees in the world. Nonetheless, Kenya’s coffee sector faces challenges for the future, and low global prices combined with climate change and population growth have diminished the country’s output over the last decade.