Country Malawi
Region : Northern and Central mountainous parts of Malawi
Producers2,500-3000 smallholder farmers in 6 primary societies: 30% of board are women; Women’s Coffee available
POST-HARVEST PROCESS: Fully washed from 57 central washing stations serving all farmer. central cupping laboratory and trained cuppers.
VARIETIES: Nyika, Geisha, Catimor 129 and several local varieties
SOIL TYPE: Clay, loamy soils
HARVEST TIME: May to October
ELEVATION: Above 1,300 TO 2,000m

Mzuzu Coffee Planters Cooperative Union Limited is a leading organization based in Malawi’s northern and central mountainous regions, dedicated to producing premium specialty coffee. We work with 2,500 to 3,000 smallholder farmers across six primary societies, and 30% of our board members are women, ensuring strong gender inclusivity. Our commitment to excellence is reflected in the availability of our Women’s Coffee, symbolizing the important role of women in the coffee business.

At Mzuzu Coffee, we prioritize quality from the start. Our coffee is fully washed at 57 central washing stations, supported by a state-of-the-art cupping laboratory and trained cuppers to guarantee superior taste and consistency. We grow a variety of coffee beans, including Nyika, Geisha, Catimor 129, and other local varieties. Our farmers benefit from the rich clay and loamy soils found at elevations ranging from 1,300 to 2,000 meters above sea level, allowing us to cultivate coffee with distinct flavor profiles. Harvesting occurs from May to October, ensuring the freshest beans are always available.

Our Vision

We aspire to be leaders in achieving a better quality of life for Malawian smallholder coffee farmers through sustainable coffee farming and cooperative initiatives.

Our Mission

Mzuzu Coffee aims to become world-class producers, processors, and marketers of specialty and certified coffee, utilizing sustainable cooperatives and coffee-based farming systems.

Our Strategic Objectives

  • Promote the formation of self-sustainable farmer organizations.
  • Foster the production of coffee using sustainable technologies and facilitate access to finance for producers, cooperatives, and the Union.
  • Expand the processing and marketing of coffee and other products on both domestic and international markets.
  • Enhance women’s participation at all levels of the coffee business.
  • Encourage business diversification at the farmer, cooperative, and union levels to ensure self-sustaining businesses.

Our History

Established on April 1, 2007, Mzuzu Coffee Planters Cooperative Union Limited evolved from the Smallholder Coffee Authority (1979-1999) and the Smallholder Coffee Farmers Trust (1999-2007). Over the years, we have grown into a network of cooperatives, including:

  • Misuku Hills (Altitude: 1,700-2,000m) in Chitipa District
  • Viphya Hills (Altitude: 1,200-1,500m) in Rumphi District
  • Nkhata Bay Highlands (Altitude: 1,000-2,000m) in Nkhata Bay District
  • South East Mzimba (Altitude: 1,200-1,700m) in Mzimba District

In addition to our cooperative coffee production, we operate the Usingini Commercial Farm and run the Mzuzu Coffee Den, a coffee shop offering the best of our products. We also offer family-friendly accommodations at Mzuzu Coffee Suites and are expanding into honey production.

Contact Us

At Mzuzu Coffee, we are passionate about producing world-class coffee while empowering our farmers and their communities.