Uganda Semuliki Region
Dan O'Doherty's influence on this bean is unmistakable — the fermentation is beautifully even and full, and it shows in every roast. If you've worked with our Peru Ucayali, you'll recognize Dan's careful hand here too.
About the Region
The Rwenzururu sub-region of Uganda sits at 3,000 feet above sea level, bordered by the DR Congo, the Rwenzori Mountain range, and Semuliki National Park. The climate is tropical with over 1,000mm of annual rainfall across two seasons — March to April and September to January. Bundibugyo district accounts for more than 70% of Uganda's cocoa production.
About the Farmers
Cacao is sourced from over 500 contracted smallholder farmers across the Galiraya, Kisonko, and Buganikere communities — each farming 1–2 hectares, often across several plots. Managed by Latitude Trade Co., a certified B Corp, farmers sell fresh cacao at established collection points on harvest day and are paid cash on the spot at 40% of the dry cocoa market price, with 10–20% end-of-season bonuses tied to volume and delivery consistency.
Post-Harvest Details
- Fermentation: 5.5–6.5 days in paired eucalyptus timber boxes (500kg capacity) with removable shutters for turning; temperatures recorded 3x daily
- Drying: Sun drying at the Bumate fermentation facility, designed to maximize available sunshine
- Sorting: Hand sorted prior to fermentation; quality evaluated again before drying and after drying, with fermentation levels assessed before final blending
- Fermentation Consultant: Daniel O'Doherty, Cacao Services