In recent years Malawi have started producing some lovely Specialty grade coffees with Mzuzu being one of the more recognised lots. The Mzuzu Coffee Planters Co-operative Union ltd comprises of around 3,200 small holder farms. Their production is based across 5 primary Coffee Cooperatives of Misuku, Phoka, Viphya North, South East Mzimba and Nkhata-Bay Highlands.

Malawi's economy is based largely on agriculture, which accounts for 90 percent of foreign exchange earnings, 40 percent of its GDP, and employs 80 percent of the workforce (Source: UN report 2005). The Mzuzu Union realised that the Specialty coffee market provided a chance to expand their coffee operation. In about 2007 they set about providing high-grade, organically and sustainably farmed coffees.

This Fair Trade lot has some very interesting characteristics. It has a fresh, fruity burst to it in the intial hit which is then smoothed out with a deep body. The screen size is fairly small (almost like a peaberry) but it cups really nicely. Definitely an interesting one to try.

Price shown per 500g