Project Information
Arabica Program
Mbinga is Tanzania’s specialty gem. Beacon Heights pre-finances 40+ producer groups before harvest in exchange for exclusive access to top lots. We supply tarps for raised beds, train in selective picking, and run 87+ point separation protocols. All parchment is milled in Songea under our supervision.
Quality Specs
- Grades: AA, AB, PB + Micro-lots
- Screen: 17/18 for AA, 15/16 for AB
- Cup Profile: Jasmine, bergamot, red currant, winey, syrupy body
- Processes: 70% Washed, 20% Honey, 10% Natural trials
- Annual Volume: 15–20 micro-lots of 320–960kg + 8 containers bulk specialty
Project Challenge
Coffee from Mbinga, Ludewa, and southern Songwe is high-risk for moisture/over-fermentation due to long transit to Dar. Beacon Heights operates a buying station in Songwe town with a mini-lab. We test every delivery for moisture and density, reject >12.5%, and re-condition before trucking. This cuts our Dar rejection rate from 9% to <1%.
- Best for: Anyone buying southern Tanzania lots who needs reliability
- Benefit: We catch defects in Songwe, not at Dar port. Faster export, no last-minute surprises
- Turnaround: Adds 2 days, saves 3 weeks of potential delay
- Reporting: Songwe intake report available with contract
Eco and Agriculture
Impact: Farmers get instant feedback + payment. Reduced post-harvest loss by 18% for partner groups since 2023.