Rwanda gains new European market for locally roasted coffee #rwanda #RwOT

Rwanda was among the countries that participated in the Coffee Europe Expo 2025, an international coffee trade fair held at Ptak Warsaw Expo in Warsaw, Poland.

The event convened stakeholders from across the coffee value chain, including innovators and technology providers in coffee production, processing, and distribution.

Despite being a first-time participant at the Expo â€" which marked its 10th edition â€" Rwanda was given a place of honor and recognized for its growing role in the global coffee industry.

The event ran from May 27 to 29 and welcomed around 6,000 visitors from 15 countries. More than 100 exhibitors, including several Rwandan businesses, showcased premium Rwandan coffee and tea.

While the expo's primary focus was coffee, Rwanda also presented its tea products, positioning Poland as a potential alternative to Russia â€" historically one of Rwanda's top tea importers.

'Russia was a key buyer of Rwandan tea via the Mombasa auction,' said Bizimana in an interview with IGIHE. 'But due to the war in Ukraine, volumes have declined. We now see Poland as a country that could fill that gap.'

According to Bizimana, both coffee and tea from Rwanda were warmly received, signaling strong interest from Polish and Eastern European buyers. Although Rwandan coffee already has established markets, new export destinations often bring competitive pricing and better terms.

'What makes Poland stand out,' Bizimana explained, 'is its interest in value-added coffee â€" roasted and packaged in Rwanda. This creates more jobs for our youth and keeps more value within the country.'

He also emphasized the broader importance of such international expos, which provide insights into regulatory requirements and market preferences, helping Rwanda refine its export strategy.

Exhibitors speak out

Rusatira Emmanuel, CEO of Baho Coffee Company, was among the Rwandan participants. He said the sheer scale and enthusiasm of the Polish market exceeded expectations.

'No one anticipated such a large and vibrant market. People were genuinely curious about Rwanda. This is the first expo where we've been given such a prominent and respected platform,' Rusatira said.

He described the event as a valuable opportunity to network with roasters, exporters, and industry professionals across Eastern Europe.

'Everyone sold out. There was strong demand for both Rwandan coffee and tea. People are eager to know more about our products,' he added.

Also exhibiting was Rubayiza Aloys, CEO of Rwanda Mountain Coffee Ltd & JAC Coffee Ltd. With a five-hectare farm in Huye District, Rubayiza not only grows coffee but processes it into various formats â€" green beans, roasted coffee, and eco-friendly capsules.

'This Eastern European market is significant â€" it accounts for 40% of global coffee consumption,' he noted. 'Capsule coffee is especially popular here. Around 20% of consumers prefer it, and it sells at a premium price. We tailor our offerings based on customer needs.'

Michael Wyroslak, the General Manager of 1000 Hills Products in Poland, has been importing and distributing Rwandan coffee for seven years. He described the journey as one of growth and transformation.

'In the beginning, there were many misconceptions about Rwandan coffee. But over the years, we've changed that narrative. People now appreciate its quality and unique flavor profile,' he said.

Wyroslak explained that they've increased both the quantity and quality of coffee exports year after year, and they continue to introduce new Rwandan products to the Polish and broader European markets.

'Our future is bright â€" as long as Rwanda keeps producing high-quality coffee, demand will only grow,' he concluded.

The Coffee Europe Expo was hosted at Ptak Warsaw Expo, one of the largest exhibition centers in Europe. It hosts more than 70 events annually, attracting over 1 million visitors and over 7,000 exhibitors across various industries.

Among the participants was Rubayiza Aloys, CEO of Rwanda Mountain Coffee Ltd & JAC Coffee Ltd, who successfully sold out his coffee products sourced from Rwanda.

Rwandan exhibitors sold all the coffee they brought to the Coffee Europe Expo â€" with demand so high that supplies ran out quickly.

International visitors were particularly impressed by the quality and uniqueness of Rwandan coffee, drawing strong interest throughout the event.

Rubayiza Aloys, together with Rusatira Emmanuel, CEO of Baho Coffee Company, both represented Rwanda at the Coffee Europe Expo.

Rwandan participants received appreciation

Rwandan soffee sold out quickly at coffee Europe Expo

Rwanda's Ambassador to Poland, Prof. Anastase Shyaka, expressed his appreciation to Rusatira Emmanuel of Baho Coffee Company for his active participation in the expo.