Snow Cooperative

Uganda - Rwenzori - Snow Cooperative - SL 28 - Natural - 84+

CROP 2025/2026 See coffee details

SCA score84.25

Aromatic notes

berrydried fruitdark chocolatemolassesvegetalfermented

Available on sample request (60kg)

SampleFree evaluation sampleRequest a sample

Price quoteCurrent price and stock informationRequest a quote

History and traceability

The story

This SL28 Arabica is grown and processed by members of Rwenzori Snow Cooperative in Kyamabwe Parish, on the slopes of the Rwenzori Mountains in western Uganda. The cooperative was founded in 2023 by three farmers—Muhindo, Kisembo, and Mugume—after recognizing that farmers selling individually were receiving low prices, had limited market access, and struggled to maintain consistent quality.

Muhindo had previously received training in specialty coffee production, bringing valuable technical knowledge to the group and helping guide the cooperative’s commitment to quality and continuous learning.

To support its members, the cooperative has established a coffee and tree nursery to support farmers improve their productivity and promote long-term sustainability. It also mobilizes and trains farmers in good agronomic practices and post-harvest handling.

The cooperative conducts seasonal meetings where they agree on harvest modalities, like the volumes expected, depending on available contracts and cherry delivery procedures. Farmers harvest ripe cherries, float them at farm level to remove defects, and then deliver them to the cooperative for careful and controlled drying.

Situated at 1800–2100 meters above sea level, the farmers grow coffee organically intercropping it with bananas, yams, and shade trees such as mango, avocado, and musizi.

Muhindo, Kisembo, and Mugume founded Rwenzori Snow Cooperative in Bunyangabu, Western Uganda, bringing together farmers in Kyamabwe Parish to strengthen their negotiating power and build access to specialty coffee markets.

Rwenzori Snow Cooperative was founded by Muhindo, Kisembo, and Mugume in Kyamambwe Parish, Bunyangabu District in Western Uganda, and was officially registered in November 2023.

The cooperative brings together coffee farmers from this high-altitude parish, situated between 1,800 and 2,100 meters above sea level on the slopes of the Rwenzori Mountains. This elevation range, together with the region’s fertile volcanic soils and consistent rainfall, creates ideal conditions for producing high-quality Arabica.

By organizing at the cooperative level, farmers aim to strengthen their collective bargaining power, improve quality management, and access more stable specialty markets.

The cooperative currently has 624 active members (343 men and 164 women) and bringd together four village savings and loan associations, boosting both financial inclusion and community resilience.

The cooperative also operates a coffee and tree seedling nursery, enabling farmers to access improved planting material and promoting sustainable agroforestry practices within the community.