Western Province

Farming system

Dense smallholders on steep hillsides.

High rainfall + lake-driven humidity.

Cherry density is high → stations receive massive peak-day volumes.

Processing reality

Washed dominates; naturals exist but are risky.

Long fermentations are common, but drying is the main constraint.

Raised beds are essential; covered beds are a competitive advantage.

Supply chain + power

Washing stations are often private or coop-managed, heavily reliant on:

short-term finance to pay cherry cash-on-delivery.

Stations with better cash access capture better cherry.

Exporters frequently pre-finance stations → leverage over lot allocation.