Gichathaini Wet Mill

The story

Gichathaini Wet Mill is a washing station located in Nyeri County, Kenya, that operates under the Gikanda Farmers Cooperative Society. It serves approximately 800 to 900 smallholder farmers who typically manage small plots with an average of 100 coffee trees each. The facility processes cherries delivered by these members to maintain the region's reputation for high-quality coffee production.

Challenges

The region faces significant competition among farmers and is subject to broader industry pressures such as climate change and market price fluctuations.

Innovations

The station employs a meticulous fully washed process that includes fermentation, density grading, soaking, and slow drying on raised African beds to ensure high quality.