Is it time for Rwandan coffee to go global

Rwanda's coffee industry is set to make waves on the global stage as the European Union, in collaboration with Nilo Rea, partners with the government of Rwanda to promote Rwandan coffee through a unique initiative called 'Symphony of Coffee'. The EU's strong support for the agriculture sector in Rwanda has led to a decision to allocate additional financial resources to the coffee industry, recognizing its huge potential. With thousands of household farmers involved in coffee production, the sector provides significant employment opportunities, with more than 60,000 people employed during the harvesting season. Not only is coffee a crucial source of export revenue for Rwanda, contributing to 7% of the country's exports, but over 50% of the coffee produced in Rwanda is exported to European markets, making it a vital sector for the EU. In a bid to enhance the coffee value chain, a call for proposals has been launched to address challenges and improve productivity, traceability, and certification standards. Despite the sector's vulnerability, the EU aims to bolster Rwanda's coffee industry and elevate its global presence. The recent collaboration between the EU, the International Coffee Organization, and the Ernesto Illy Foundation has taken this initiative a step further by incorporating music into the promotion of Rwandan coffee. Renowned musicians Danidorea and Mark Tuxem have joined forces to create a 'symphony' using the sounds of coffee. Together, they have captured the essence of coffee through its unique sounds, from the percussion-like sound of shaking beans to the evolving melody of brewing. This innovative approach not only celebrates the sensory experience of coffee but also highlights Rwanda's coffee quality, which was recognized with an award for the best coffee in the world last year in New York. By hosting this musical event in Rwanda, the EU aims to increase visibility and positive attention for Rwandan coffee, ultimately attracting consumers from Europe and beyond to explore the rich flavors of Rwandan coffee.