Our Coffees - Tanzania - Moledina Commodities Inc.

GEOGRAPHY & CLIMATE:

Tanzania lies between Kenya and Mozambique on the East African coast. Formed by the union of Tanganyika and Zanzibar and other islands, Tanzania comprises a coastal lowland, volcanic highland and the Great Rift Valley. The coast and Zanzibar are tropical. The central plateau is semi-arid and the highlands are semi-temperate. The population is 29.5 million.

COFFEE BACKGROUND:

The Robusta coffee was introduced in Tanzania from Congo and Gabon in the 1600's by the Bunyoro conquerors. Today, it is grown around Bukoba on the west coast of lake Victoria. The Arabica was brought in by the Jesuits from Reunion and the Indies in 1893. It is grown on the foothills of Mount Kilimanjaro near Moshi, Northern Tanzania and also in the South near Songea, Mbinga, Mbeya, Mbozi and some around Mikumi near the port of Dar es salaam.

SPECIES: Arabica and Robusta

ALTITUDE AT WHICH GROWN: 3,000 - 6,000 ft.

PREPARATION METHOD: “Washed” and “Unwashed”

ANNUAL PRODUCTION: 788,000 bags (99-00 crop)

SHIPMENT PERIOD: Arabica December - May

Robusta August - February

TYPES OF COFFEES OFFERED:

Tanzania AA Faq Plus: Grown on the foothills of Mount Kilimanjaro, these coffees are the best Arabica from Tanzania. The lots are especially selected for us from the auction offerings, sorted, blended and shipped directly to us. These coffees have full flavor and fine acidity.

Tanzania PB: Also grown in Northern Tanzania near Mount Kilimanjaro the Peaberry grade has acquired a world reputation for its rich, mild, aromatic, full bodied brew that is produced from the single or male bean.

Personal Comment:

9/20/98:

In the former years, the Tanzanian coffees rivaled Kenya coffee for quality. Regrettable, after independence, the government for a while followed socialist policies and the farmers lacked incentives to take care of their trees. As a result the quality suffered. The government is now trying to revive the coffee sector with incentives. The draught is going to hurt the new crop which is the main export earner for the country.