The origins of Café de Chamarel
Introduced for the first time to Mauritius in 1715 by the Royal East India Company, coffee only truly found its place in the agricultural landscape in 1961, when the Bel Ombre Sugar Company (today Agrïa) launched an agricultural development program in Chamarel and Case Noyale. In 1967, the first plantation was established and, three years later, the first harvest was achieved.
Made from Arabica beans grown on 12 hectares, at an altitude of 280 meters, Café de Chamarel benefits from atypical conditions for this variety, often planted at higher altitudes. But the combination of volcanic soils, a mild climate and the know-how of Agrïa’s agricultural teams has allowed coffee to flourish – giving birth to a unique production, the pride and signature of Mauritius. The plantation follows a diversified agroforestry model: coffee trees sit alongside banana trees, cocoa trees and endemic species, helping to preserve the soil, support local biodiversity and enrich the aromatic complexity of the beans.
Café de Chamarel: a locally made coffee
From picking the cherries to roasting the beans, each step follows a natural rhythm and draws on the know-how of local artisans. Around 30 workers participate in the harvest over 150 days, for an annual yield of around 35,000 kg of coffee cherries. Fermentation and washing are carried out in Chamarel, while drying and roasting take place in Case Noyale. In four months, the coffees will go from being a cherry to being a roasted coffee ready to be enjoyed.
Café de Chamarel offers three distinct ranges that highlight the richness of its terroir.
The Premium range brings together several varieties of Arabica, the main one being K7, to offer a mild coffee with citrus notes such as Bergamot, a light body with notes of milk chocolate and fresh almonds and to finish with a final note of fresh vanilla.
Le Grand Matin combines 75% Arabica and 25% Liberica, for a rich cup with powerful aromas of fermented fruits, lychee, mango, with smoky accents and a complex long finish.
Finally, the Grand Cru, the cream of Chamarel, composed of 100% K7 Arabica from which we hand-selected the most mature cherries. It offers a refined, delicate experience, with aromas of plum and bergamot reminiscent of certain black teas, a velvety texture like chocolate and a length reminiscent of the sweetness of molasses.
Discover the Chamarel Coffee plantation
The Coffee Tour Experience
To share the story of this local coffee shop, ER Hospitality (formerly Rogers Hospitality), in partnership with Agrïa, launched the Coffee Tour experience at Chamarel Colored Earth Geopark. This guided tour offers visitors a unique and immersive journey into the world of Café de Chamarel. The tour begins with a walk through the plantation, where participants learn about the rich history of coffee in Mauritius as well as the sustainable agricultural practices used to cultivate the Arabica coffee trees. It continues with a “cupping” session by experts, who explain the different aromas and profiles of local blends.
This sensory journey is an invitation to discover and better understand the culture, know-how and people behind each cup of Café de Chamarel.
Book your visit here
