From the Heart of Rwanda: Sholi Women's Lot Natural Red Bourbon
Rwanda Sholi Women's Lot
A Cooperative Built on Women's Empowerment
In the Muhanga District of central Rwanda, about halfway between the capital city Kigali and Lake Kivu, we find the Abateraninkunga ba Sholi Cooperative, affectionately known as "Sholi." Established in 2008, Sholi emerged from the women's association Kundwa, and has carried the spirit of women's empowerment as a core value ever since. This year, in celebration of women in all areas of the coffee supply chain, we have once again partnered with the Sholi Cooperative in Rwanda to honor and uplift the contributions of women in coffee, showcasing this special release women's lot.
The Coffee: Natural Red Bourbon
This coffee is a naturally processed Red Bourbon, and although red and yellow Bourbons make up the vast majority of coffee produced in Rwanda, the natural processing of this lot still lends it a rather unique flavor profile. The process begins once the coffee cherries arrive at the Sholi washing station, where the highest quality cherries are sorted, floated, and put on drying tables for three to four days. After this, the dried cherries are covered for 24 to 30 hours to develop flavor. The cherries are then monitored closely as they continue to dry for up to 35 days. This timeframe is determined by the weather at the time of drying, so it's subject to some variance.
The meticulous work of everyone involved in the coffee's processing, from start to finish, is evident in the lively and radiant flavor profile of this coffee, as well as the consistency of the quality from cup to cup. Look for bright notes of strawberry and sangria balanced with a lactic, sweet cream body.
Mutual Assistance, More Than a Name
In the national language of Rwanda, Kinyarwanda, the name "Abateraninkunga ba Sholi" means "mutual assistance." The name could not be more aptly chosen, as the Sholi Cooperative has committed itself not only to the production of extremely high-quality coffee but also to the support and empowerment of their community. As Sholi has grown, they have stayed true to their devotion to uplifting women, and today over one-third of their members are women, including two of their five board members. Now, more than 15 years later, Sholi continues to invest in their community through initiatives to support education, healthcare, economic development, and sustainability.
Three Years of Giving Back
In 2024, OZO partnered with Sholi for the first time to organize a giveback from funds raised through whole bean sales. We raised over $2,000 to support their initiative to expand their apiary and beekeeping program, a project that nearly tripled their honey production. The following year, we again raised over $2,000 to support an additional set of initiatives. The money from this giveback shifted its focus to the young women and youth in agriculture, fostering education through the development of educational nurseries and farm plots. With these resources, Sholi was able to provide more access to education surrounding coffee growing and production, composting and sustainability initiatives, quality assurance, and even business management and marketing strategies.
This year, we are excited to partner with the Sholi Cooperative once again to offer this coffee and facilitate another giveback to this amazing community. On the release day, March 13th, 2026, this coffee will be featured at all cafes and 100% of all whole bean sales will go straight back to Sholi.
Rwanda Sholi Women's Lot
For the third year in a row, OZO is partnering with the Sholi Cooperative in Rwanda in celebration of all the women in the coffee industry from seed to cup. A bright, naturally processed bourbon with notes of strawberry and sangria, balanced with a sweet, lactic body.