ALTITUDE - 2100 MASL // REGION - GEDEB GEDEO REGION // PROCESS - WASHED // VARIETY - 1974 & 1975 Jarc

Ethiopia Chelbesa Natural 100% Arabica Speciality Grade Coffee

Origin and Harvest

Ethiopian coffee production is deeply influenced by the country's three primary seasons:

• Bega Season (October-January): This is the long dry period, essential for coffee harvesting and processing.

• Belg Season (February-May): The first rains arrive, playing a crucial role in coffee flowering and early fruit development.

• Krempt Season (June-September): Heavy rainstorms from the east nourish the coffee plants, supporting fruit development and ripening.

By the end of September, the rains cease abruptly, allowing coffee cherries to fully ripen. This leads to a bustling harvest period by November, ensuring the production of high-quality Ethiopian coffee.

Ephtah Speciality Coffee is committed to building sustainable and collaborative supply chains that benefit customers, farmers, and their communities. The company strongly advocates for women's roles in the coffee industry, recognising their significant contribution to social and economic change in Ethiopia.

Ephtah ensures quality control at every stage of the supply chain, from harvesting to shipment, delivering premium green coffee beans while maintaining stakeholder satisfaction.

Chelbesa, Gedeb – A Premier Coffee Region

Chelbesa, situated in the Gedeb district, is a key coffee-sourcing area where Ephtah exclusively manages a dedicated washing station. This facility, located in Chelbesa (Kebele), Gedeb (Woreda), plays a pivotal role in processing high-quality coffee beans. The region is predominantly Christian, with both Protestant and Orthodox communities.

The farm spans 2 hectares at an elevation of 2,150-2,200 MASL. It employs 17 permanent staff and hires an additional 150 seasonal workers during the harvest period (late November to January). The farm is equipped with 150 drying beds and cultivates indigenous Heirloom coffee varieties, ensuring a unique and high-quality flavour profile.

Chelbesa, Gedeb Coffee

The Chelbesa, Gedeb coffee lot is cultivated at an altitude of 2,200 MASL, producing approximately 38,400 kg per parcel. The coffee undergoes a meticulous selection process:

• Only the finest cherries are hand-picked, floated, and pulped.

• The beans are fermented in tanks without water, enhancing their distinctive flavour profile.

• They are then dried for 10-15 days. Once the drying process is complete, the coffee is stored and transported to Moplaco in Gerji, Addis Ababa. From there, it is shipped via train to Djibouti for export.

Challenges

The primary challenge during this crop cycle was managing fermentation and drying processes to maintain coffee quality. Despite these hurdles, Ephtah continues to focus on producing exceptional coffee while contributing to the local economy.

Future plans include:

• Expanding processing infrastructure to enhance efficiency.

• Increasing support for local farmers through training and resources.

• Exploring additional sustainability initiatives to improve environmental and social impact.