Othaya Farmers Co-operative Society
Introduction to Othaya Farmers Co-operative Society
Othaya Farmers Co-operative Society Limited, established in 1956, is a prominent, fully farmer-owned cooperative located in Othaya Town, Nyeri County, approximately 150 kilometers north of Nairobi, Kenya. Nestled between Mt. Kenya and the Aberdare Ranges at an altitude of 1,828 meters above sea level, the society specializes in producing high-quality specialty Arabica coffee.
Growth and Mission
The cooperative began with 250 farmers and has expanded to encompass 19 factories, serving over 15,000 small-scale farmers. Its mission is to lead in the production of Kenyan Arabica coffee and secure the best prices for its members. To support this mission, the society offers services such as coffee nurseries for seedlings, wet mills, and farm input outlets at each wet mill. Additionally, it operates a dry mill financed through member share sales.
Gatugi Wet Mill
The Gatugi Wet Mill is one of the factories under the Othaya Farmers' Cooperative Society. Located near Karima Hill in Nyeri County at an altitude of 1,863 meters, it serves approximately 755 farmers who collectively farm around 233 acres. The primary coffee varieties processed here include SL28, SL34, with some Ruiru 11 and Batian. The coffee undergoes wet processing, involving pulping, fermentation, washing, and slow drying over 2-3 weeks to achieve a moisture content of 10-12%.
Quality and Cupping Notes of Kenya Gatugi Coffee
Kenya Gatugi coffee is renowned for its exceptional quality, attributed to the favorable growing conditions and meticulous processing methods employed at the Gatugi Wet Mill. Cupping notes often highlight a sharp citrus acidity, a full smooth body, and well-balanced flavors of black currant, vanilla, and nutty hints. The main harvesting season runs from October to December, with the coffee becoming available from January to May each year.
Community and Fair-Trade Commitment
The Othaya Farmers Co-operative Society is committed to empowering its members through value addition and community initiatives. It is Fair-Trade certified, enhancing its ability to penetrate global markets and benefit the community. The society also engages in corporate social responsibility activities, including assisting the needy, constructing footbridges, and organizing free medical screening camps in partnership with organizations like Tree House and Aga Khan Hospital.