In an inspiring showcase of dedication and craftsmanship, IWCA Rwanda Chapter members have triumphed at the 2024 Best of Rwanda Specialty Coffee Awards, held this July. Nova Coffee, representing the pinnacle of Rwandan coffee, clinched the 1st place with its exceptional offering dubbed "The Best Coffee From The Land Of A Thousand Hills."

Coffee Profile:

• Variety: Red Bourbon

• Process: Anaerobic Natural

• Score: 91.86

• Region: Northern Province, Village of Gicumbi

• Altitude: 1800-2000 meters

• Flavor Notes: A vibrant symphony of whiskey, yellow dry fruits, mango, peaches, blueberry, raspberry, roses, and pineapples. This coffee dazzles with its aromatic complexity, structured and balanced body, complemented by a honey and candy-like sweetness.

The Journey to the Top: This award-winning coffee was the product of the collective effort of twelve dedicated farmers, led by Rafael Karasi, from the Gicumbi district. Their successful blend of tradition and innovation in farming practices was crucial to their success. After the peak harvest, the coffee cherries were swiftly transported to the Nova Coffee Washing Station for meticulous processing, supervised by quality managers who ensured that each bean met the highest standards.

About the Award and Event: The Best of Rwanda is an annual competition and auction pioneered by the National Agricultural Export Development Board (NAEB) alongside the Coffee Exporters and Processors Association in Rwanda (CEPAR). Launched in 2024, the event is designed to support smallholder farmers by promoting sustainable coffee production practices across Rwanda’s diverse terroirs, which are ideal for growing specialty coffee. The competition draws attention to the extraordinary coffee produced by Rwanda’s skilled farmers, boosting their visibility on the global stage.

Judging Excellence: The 2024 Best of Rwanda welcomed Mrs. Sherri Johns as its head judge. With a robust background that includes 14 years as a Cup of Excellence head judge and extensive experience as an SCA authorized trainer and competition judge, Sherri’s role ensured a fair and transparent evaluation of the coffees, from seed to cup.

Commitment to Social Responsibility: By purchasing Nova Coffee, consumers support not only exquisite coffee but also a company deeply committed to gender equality and social responsibility. Since 2015, Nova has worked with over 2,800 small-holder farmers, including 382 women, implementing ethical practices that significantly benefit local communities.

As we celebrate this victory, we invite the global community to recognize the skill and passion that goes into every cup of Rwandan coffee. This award is a testament to the hard work and innovative spirit of our Rwandan Chapter members and a clear indicator of the exceptional coffee quality that Rwanda has to offer.

Join us in congratulating our Rwandan Chapter members for their hard-earned success and in celebrating the remarkable journey of Nova Coffee.