Our Specialty Arabica Coffee

Our Flagship Coffee

Our Washed Arabica Grade 2 (Kivu 2) is SOPACDI's historic product, exported since 2008 thanks to partner Twin Trading. Collectively processed at our 4 main stations, this coffee reveals the full aromatic complexity of Lake Kivu's volcanic terroir.

The process begins with selective manual picking of ripe cherries. At the station, they are floated and sorted. After pulping, the parchment undergoes Rwandan-style triple fermentation: 12h dry, 12h underwater, 12h soak, then channel washing. Drying on raised African tables continues until optimal moisture is reached.

Tasting Notes

Semi-Washed Arabica — Grade 4

This profile is processed directly at farm level: members pulp their cherries at home, ferment and dry the parchment on mats on the ground. They then deliver their dry parchment directly to the cooperative.

The cooperative handles final sorting, quality control and export. This process gives the coffee a fuller, fruitier profile, valued by buyers seeking a distinctive Kivu terroir character.

The SOPACDI Women's Cuvée

Nearly a third of our 1,999 members are women — around 4,000 women coffee growers. In Kivu, women carry out the vast majority of plantation work but income is traditionally controlled by the husband. SOPACDI decided to change this.

A specific premium is paid to women for their "Women's Coffee". These funds support children's schooling, maternal healthcare and income-generating activities. The cooperative also guarantees a minimum 30% representation of women on the Board of Directors.