In Kenya, the history of coffee cultivation only begins at the end of the 19th century. The first coffee plant was probably introduced by the British during the British occupation. Initially, large farms were established around Nairobi, which were run exclusively by the British. Only after 1960, when Kenya became independent again, did the Kenyans themselves start growing coffee on small farms and continue to develop one of the finest and highest quality coffees in the world.
Brazil is now the world's largest coffee producer and exporter. After Germany and the USA, Brazil itself is the strongest consumer of coffee grown in its own country. The "cafezinho", translated as "little coffee", is a strong, dark coffee served in Brazil as a sign of hospitality and conviviality. It is stronger than the filter coffee we know here and is often served heavily sweetened. Brazilians drink it at all times of the day.
Coffee from Burundi is often synonymous with coffee from the Long Miles Coffee Project. Ben and Kristy Carlson's project has brought speciality coffee from Burundi to roasters around the world and is improving the lives of local farmers by growing high quality coffee. In our interview, we talk to Seth Nduwayo, the production and quality manager, about the project, the harvest season and the impact of the Corona pandemic.