Region: Gedeb, Gedeo, SERS
Elevation: 2150-2200 masl
About: Chelbesa Gedeb washing station, proudly woman-owned and dedicated to empowering Ethiopia’s coffee community, stands out in the renowned Gedeb region. With 150 drying beds and 17 permanent staff, the station welcomes an additional 150 local workers each harvest, fostering economic opportunity in the area.
This lot showcases local Ethiopian heirloom varieties grown by smallholder farmers at elevations of 2,150–2,200 metres. The high altitude, cool climate and rich biodiversity lead to slow cherry maturation, resulting in exceptional complexity and depth of flavour. Farmers cultivate without chemical fertilisers or pesticides, embracing traditional, sustainable practices.
Chelbesa Gedeb’s commitment goes beyond quality by championing women’s participation and leadership in the coffee sector and proving that coffee can be a force for meaningful change in Ethiopia. In total, 38,400 kilograms of cherries were hand-picked and carefully processed, capturing the unique character of this remarkable terroir.
