Privam Estate
- First time cooperation: 2025
- Cooperation model: Indirect Trade
OVERVIEW
Privam Estate is a 23-acre family farm established in 2012 in Embu County, situated on a highland plateau with direct views of mount. At 1,700 meters above sea level, the farm cultivates SL28, Ruiru 11, and Batian coffee varieties. By 2018, they achieved a significant milestone by obtaining their own pulping license and establishing their wet mill, becoming independent from the local cooperative.
A FAMILY LEGACY
Privam Estate embodies the essence of a family-run coffee business. Patrick Makundi, the head cupper and face of the operation, works alongside his wife Rita Makundi – the driving force behind daily operations. Rita’s mother serves as farm manager, while extended family members, including siblings, children, and cousins, contribute to creating what feels more like a close-knit community than a typical coffee farm.
PROCESSING AND PRODUCTION
Their quality-focused processing begins with hand-picked cherries that undergo density separation through flotation. The coffee is then pulped and sorted through washing channels into fermentation tanks for overnight fermentation, followed by another washing phase and 10-14 days of careful drying on raised beds.
EMBU'S COFFEE LANDSCAPE
In a context where Embu’s coffee production has been declining yearly, farms like Privam Estate demonstrate the potential success of independent small-scale farming models. Their evolution from cooperative membership to establishing their own processing facility showcases their adaptability and innovation in the competitive Kenyan coffee sector.
WHY WE CHOSE PRIVAM
The combination of manageable scale, family management, and innovative spirit makes Privam Estate an ideal partner. They maintain consistent quality while demonstrating remarkable adaptability to market changes. Their on-site wet mill gives them superior quality control and flexibility in meeting customer demands.
