KATESHI, ZAMBIA
TASTING NOTES
DARK BERRIES, CHOCOLATE, FLORAL HONEY, RIPE PLUM, SPICE
ORIGIN
ZAMBIA
REGION
NORTHERN PROVINCE
FARM
KATESHI ESTATE
VARIETY
CASTILLO, CATIMOR 129, F6
ALTITUDE
1,300 METERS
PROCESS METHOD
NATURAL – EXTENDED ANAEROBIC FERMENTATION
ABOUT
Kateshi Estate isn’t just one of the oldest coffee farms in Zambia—it’s a symbol of resilience, innovation, and community-driven progress. Established in 1972, this estate was once the beating heart of northern Zambia’s coffee industry, home to the region’s first wet mill and a central processing hub for growers across the province. Today, after weathering coffee’s global ups and downs, Kateshi Estate has re-emerged as Zambia’s premier coffee producer, taking first and second place in the country’s Taste of Harvest competition.
But Kateshi isn’t just about producing exceptional coffee—it’s about changing lives. This farm has redefined the role of women in Zambian agriculture, becoming the first and only coffee estate in the country to employ women in traditionally male-dominated roles like driving tractors and operating heavy machinery. They’re not just growing coffee; they’re building a future for their community. The estate provides safe drinking water to over 20,000 people, supports three schools for 1,500+ students, and even operates the only health clinic within 30 km, offering free basic healthcare to over 4,000 people. Oh, and if you’re into football? Kateshi sponsors its own team, the Kateshi Coffee Bullets, competing in Zambia’s First Division.
Beyond its impact, Kateshi Estate produces some of the most unique coffees in the region. This natural-processed lot undergoes an extended anaerobic fermentation, creating an incredibly vibrant and fruit-forward cup. Expect a deep, jammy sweetness with notes of dark berries, honey, and chocolate, balanced by a spiced undertone and a juicy plum finish.
Zambia’s coffee history has had its share of turbulence—from rapid expansion in the 1990s to near collapse in the early 2000s—but Kateshi Estate is proof that the country’s coffee industry is back and better than ever. With ideal growing conditions at 1,300 meters, rich volcanic soil, and a relentless commitment to quality and sustainability, this coffee is putting Zambia back on the specialty map.
Kateshi Estate’s coffee is more than just a delicious cup—it’s a testament to resilience, sustainability, and community empowerment. Whether you’re savoring it as a pour-over, espresso, or cold brew, you’re tasting the future of Zambian specialty coffee—one bold sip at a time.