On the Analamanga highlands, at 1,300–1,600 metres above sea level, a former teacher and 95 producers grow coffee the way you nurture a bond: small, attentive, lasting.
The cooperative
Route du Café d’Antananarivo — which we simply call Route d’Antananarivo on our labels — was created in 2013 in the Analamanga region, on the doorstep of the Malagasy capital. It is a deliberately small structure: 95 producers only, kept at a human scale to preserve the quality of relationships and the traceability of every lot.
The cooperative has been led since 2016 by Hanitra Razafindrabe. Before turning to cooperative management, she was a teacher. That dual culture — educational and agricultural — shows in the way she supports the producers: training, awareness of good practices, harvest planning. She also runs a small reforestation programme tied to the coffee plots, in a region where protecting watersheds is essential.
The terroir
- Region : central highlands, Analamanga
- Altitude : 1,300 to 1,600 m
- Varieties : Catuaí arabica, with a few historic plots of old robusta for blending
- Process : washed
- Number of producers : 95
The Malagasy highlands enjoy a temperate climate, with cool nights that slow ripening. Catuaí develops a lively fruity profile here, between exotic fruits and citrus. The old robusta plots, preserved for their heritage value, can go into small lots destined for our bolder blends.
The coffee’s journey
The main harvest runs from June to September. The cherries are washed, fermented and dried with methodical rigour. The washed process highlights the clarity and vibrancy of the Catuaí.
From the port of Toamasina, the coffee sets sail for Marseille. The journey is long, but the lot arrives in excellent condition thanks to careful preparation. Thomas Reinach applies a light roast, to preserve the fruity, tangy notes that are this origin’s signature.
Our partnership
Route du Café d’Antananarivo is our most recent partner. The contract, signed in 2024, is still in its pilot phase: a one-year, renewable agreement, ahead of a planned move to a multi-year contract in 2026 if 2025 volumes and quality are confirmed.
- Partner since : 2024
- 2025 volume : 6 tonnes
- Status : pilot contract, move to multi-year planned for 2026
Despite its recent arrival, this origin has become a favourite among Prestige subscribers and a cornerstone of the campaign Direct Trade Africa.
In the cup
The Madagascar — Route d’Antananarivo is a sun-drenched, fruity, almost juicy coffee. It shines as filter or cold brew.
- Tasting notes : lychee, lime, green mango
- Intensity : 3 / 10
- Roast : light
- Certifications : direct trade, organic
- Available formats : 250 g and 1 kg (whole bean)
A coffee that smells of summer, even in the depths of winter.