You can expect Clean, Balanced, Strawberry, Caramel, Milk chocolate, Tropical fruit

SCA score - 86.25

Bukonzo Dream

Trust was the biggest obstacle when Agri Evolve first started trying to buy cherries from farmers and cooperatives in the Rwenzoris. The primary focus initially, was to build relationships with the key decision makers in the communities to invoke confidence in our untested and unproven initiative. Given enough time there was a gradual shift in the quantity of coffee we could access in cherry form opposed to processed green. The benefits of this approach to sourcing lies in the control of quality. Purchasing coffee as freshly picked, ripe cherry directly from farmers and processing it at the washing station in Kisinga, enables Agri Evolve to control the variables and create consistent premium coffee which we named ‘Bukonzo Dream’.

The name is derived from The Bakonzo Tribe. A group of descendants living throughout the Rwenzori Mountains, covering both Uganda and Democratic Republic of Congo. Individuals do not necessarily identify as citizens of either country, they will proudly announce their Bakonzo heritage. These incredible people combined with our dream to connect these coffees and people with roasters and cafes, is where the name was born. Lots are organised by geographic regions coordinated with specialist buying centres, often broken down even further into specific day-lots. Our focus is on controlling the natural processing of cherries while paying special attention to controlling quality, utilising round-the-clock techniques, constantly refining every process to create the best possible Rwenzori coffee.

Founding Agri Evolve

In 2016 Agri Evolve originally started as a collection point for both Dried Ugandan Arabica (DRUGAR) and cherries. The typical approach to processing coffee in the Rwenzori Mountains has been for farmers to process it themselves. Typically drying cherries on tarpaulin in the sun. Sourcing this DRUGAR was considerably easier in the beginning than trying to purchase ripe cherries, it turns out old habits do die hard!

Following investment in processing equipment, demonstration farms and hiring experienced staff. The second-year harvest was a drastic improvement in terms of sourcing unprocessed ripe cherries.

After this first season, processing facilities improved considerably and equipment including; a washer separator, mechanical dryers, Hulling machine and green-houses were all introduced to the station.

The interest in Agri Evolve grew amongst the farming community as we were seen as a staple reliable place to sell coffee, we consistently paid good prices and always paid on time, which, as basic as it is, made a huge difference for farmers.

By the end of the second season Agri Evolve was given some outstanding reviews from a Japanese importer who thought the African Moon coffee was fantastic and "full of potential", which in turn kickstarted the interest in high-quality Rwenzori Coffee that we sourced and processed.

Scaling Production

Over the course of the next 5-years Agri Evolve rapidly expanded to become the largest employer in the region bringing new economic stability and job opportunities to the community. This growth was driven by an ever-increasing reputation for high-quality coffee from the Rwenzori Mountains.

With a focus on staff empowerment and education, Jonny has managed to build the team to over 50 skilled individuals sourcing and processing coffee from thousands of farmers across the Rwenzori mountains. The focus in recent years has shifted to building a new station in Bugoye.

Introducing Buying Centres in strategic locations across the Rwenzori’s has been one of the catalysts for growth. Creating a constant physical presence ensures farmers that Agri Evolve is going to be there come the harvest, The convenient locations for farmers also drastically reduce the effort required to travel to market.

This is coffee f another great coffee from Omwani Coffee Co. and it will not be our last, enjoy.