The Ndaroini factory is located in the heart of Nyeri County, near the town of Karatina. The factory used to be affiliated to the Gikanda FCS, however, they recently started processing and operating independently.
The factory sits at 1600-1800 masl, with approximately 3200 active farmer members who deliver cherry to this station.
The farmers grow SL 28, SL 34, Batian, Ruiru 11 varieties on clay loam soil. Flowering occurs during February - April and coffee is harvested October – December. The average annual rainfall is 1400mm, and the average temperature is 20.5 °C.
Upon arrival at the factory, farmers sort the cherries, removing any under ripe or overripe ones. The sorted cherries are pulped the same day and then moved to fermentation tanks, where the parchment stays for 12-18 hours. After fermentation, the parchment is washed and separated by density. Following grading, the parchment is dried on raised beds for 10-14 days.
The washing station utilises an eco-pulper, which is more efficient and uses significantly less water for processing. After pulping, farmers take the cherry skins back to their farms to convert them into fertiliser.
