Great Rift Coffee

The story

Great Rift Coffee was established in 2017 by David Muge, who returned to Kenya after living in the UK for 35 years to manage a family farm in Nandi Hills. The company initially began as a dry mill in Eldoret before expanding its operations to include cultivation, processing, and exporting. It has since grown to encompass 550 acres and now operates as a vertically integrated business.

Challenges

The company faced difficulties navigating a coffee sector historically dominated by multinational conglomerates, which limited leverage for local farmers. Additionally, the business had to adapt to significant regulatory changes in late 2023 that restricted multinational licenses within the coffee value chain.

Innovations

Great Rift Coffee has diversified its agricultural output by integrating macadamia and sugarcane cultivation alongside coffee. They have also implemented a farm-to-cup model that includes direct partnerships with international roasters and a commitment to community empowerment through education and training programs.