Rwanda to open coffee warehouses in Asia

Rwanda coffee regulatory authority, Ocir-Café plans to open two warehouses—in China and Dubai. The move is aimed at matching supply with demand of Rwanda’s coffee on the Asian market. Already Ocir- Café is in talks with Yellow Arch General Trading LLC—to distribute the coffee in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Beninya Izabiriza, the director of marketing at Ocir-Café is optimistic the move will increase Rwandan coffee export on the Asian market probably by 10 containers. “We are looking for consultants in China and Dubai to help find strategic locations where the warehouses will be built,” Izabiriza said. Currently Rwanda exports more than 15,461 tonnes of coffee to international market and therefore getting distributors in Asia will see the country increase its exports by 1920 tonnes. Izabiriza believes that getting distributors on the international market will play a vital role in the supply chain. The authority is also aiming at creating product differentiation, on both local and international markets, by having a brand name for Rwanda’s coffee. “People like Rwandan coffee, especially in Asia. But they say that when it get to super markets, they don’t see it. Next month we shall be having a brand for our coffee to differentiate it from others on the market,” she said. Ends