AA Kamwangi

AA Kamwangi is a washed Arabica coffee produced by the Kamwangi Coffee Factory in Kirinyaga County, Kenya. The coffee is grown at altitudes ranging from 1,600 to 2000 metres above sea level, benefiting from rich volcanic soils and a favourable climate. The AA grade signifies the largest bean size, indicating high-quality beans. Tasting notes include blackcurrant, peach, apricot jam, and black tea, with a winey acidity and a clean, juicy body. The coffee is processed using the traditional double-washed method, enhancing its clarity and brightness.

The Kamwangi Coffee Factory is situated in the fertile highlands of Kirinyaga County, on the slopes of Mount Kenya. The region's volcanic soils and high elevation provide ideal conditions for coffee cultivation. The factory serves as a central processing site for approximately 1,500 smallholder farmers, who grow coffee on average half-acre plots. The coffee varieties cultivated include SL28, SL34, Batian, and Ruiru 11. The cooperative structure supports farmers with training, inputs, and access to markets, aiming to improve both quality and livelihoods.

Coffee was introduced to Kenya in 1893 by French missionaries. The British colonial government later took control of coffee cultivation, restricting it to settler farms. After gaining independence in 1963, Kenya's coffee industry was restructured to benefit smallholder farmers. Today, coffee is a significant export crop, with approximately 150,000 farmers involved in its production. The industry is known for its cooperative system, which includes processing, milling, marketing, and auctioning of coffee.