ALTITUDE - 2000 MASL // REGION - KAIMBU COUNTY // PROCESS - NATURAL // VARIETY - SL 43

Kenya Gulmarg Estate Natural 100% Arabica Speciality Grade Coffee

About This Coffee

This naturally processed single varietal SL34 coffee comes from Gulmarg Estate in Kiambu, Kenya. Gulmarg is a 145 hectare coffee farm, originally established during the colonial era and now one of six estates owned and operated by Sasini, a publicly listed company with majority Kenyan ownership.

Sasini’s estates place a strong emphasis on fairness, sustainability and community development. Workers benefit from quality housing, early childhood education, union membership and pay above the minimum wage. In partnership with Olam Specialty and more than 30 of our customers, further investment has been made into the local primary school, Njenga Karume. This includes the construction of a modern computer lab, helping students develop essential digital skills for the future.

The Region: Kiambu, Kenya

Kiambu County, located just outside Nairobi, is one of Kenya’s most historic coffee growing regions. Known for its large coffee estates, the area played a central role in the country’s early coffee industry.

Following independence, many estates were transferred to local ownership, and today they are managed by experienced Kenyan producers. While urban expansion from Nairobi and rising land values have reduced estate production over time, these farms remain an important part of Kenya’s coffee heritage.

The region offers ideal conditions for high quality Arabica coffee:

• High altitudes of up to 2000 metres above sea level

• Iron rich semi volcanic soils

• Abundant sunshine and consistent climate

• Cool night time temperatures that slow cherry maturation

These factors contribute to bright acidity, complexity and depth of flavour in the cup.

The Process: Natural Coffee from Kenya

Natural processing in Kenya is rare, as the country is traditionally known for fully washed coffees. This lot from Sasini highlights a more experimental and carefully managed approach.

Ripe cherries are hand selected and dried in the sun on raised African beds for up to six weeks. During this time:

• Cherries are regularly turned to ensure even drying

• They are covered overnight and during rainfall to protect from moisture

• Careful monitoring prevents over fermentation and mould development

This meticulous process results in a coffee with enhanced sweetness, fruit character and a distinctive flavour profile, showcasing a unique expression of Kenyan coffee.

Why This Coffee Stands Out

• Single varietal SL34 coffee known for quality and complexity

• Naturally processed Kenyan coffee, a rare and distinctive style

• Grown in high altitude conditions in Kiambu

• Produced by Sasini, a leader in sustainable and ethical coffee farming

• Supports community development and education initiatives

This is a coffee that not only delivers in the cup, but also contributes to a more sustainable and equitable coffee industry.