The first coffee grown in the Kilimanjaro region was planted by Catholic missionaries in Kilema at the end of the 19th Century. Throughout the 20th century western demand for coffee grew and as a result cultivation spread through many regions of Tanzania.

Appearing first by locals growing as a cash crop in 1919, they came together to form an Association to protect their interests after settling westerners expressed concern over diseases and pests being caused by the expanding cultivation of coffee. 

The Cooperative model continues with Agricultural Marketing Cooperative Societies (AMCOS), including Rural Cooperative Societies (RCS), working with producers, and Cooperative Unions being licensed to handle the exporting as well as larger Estates.

Around 90% of coffee is produced by smallholder farmers with less than 1 hectare, with around 110 Estates growing the other 10%. This coffee is a blend of washed coffee from farmers in the Arusha and Kilimanjaro regions, and was named Mbili Twiga to reflect this coming together. Mbili Twiga translates as two giraffes. Cherries are picked and brought whole to the washing station where they are washed and undergo a fermentation of around 40 hours before more washing and soaking. Beans are dried on raised beds.

Packed and supplied in 100% recyclable bags. Buy online as whole beans for you to grind yourself or as freshly ground coffee in coarse, medium or fine.