Description
Region Area: Guji, Oromia, Uraga,
Harsu sala village
Process:Washed
Variety: 74110 JARC variety
Washing Station: Harsu sala
Producer: Bisrat Melaku
Picking method: Hand-picked
Drying technique: African raised beds
Drying period: 5-8 days
Altitude: 1900-2300 MASL
Cupping Profile
Dark chocolate, Almond & red apple
Origin of Guji Chebega Coffee
Guji Chebega coffee originates from the Guji Zone in the Oromia Region of southern Ethiopia, specifically from the Uraga district in the village of Harowacho. This area, established around 2011 by Bisrat Melaku, is part of Ethiopia’s premier coffee-growing regions. The Guji Zone is renowned for its high-altitude coffee production, with elevations ranging from 1,800 to 2,200 meters above sea level. These conditions, combined with fertile soil, consistent rainfall, and traditional farming practices, contribute to the coffee’s distinctive flavor profile, which often includes notes of dark chocolate, almond, red apple, and citrus. The coffee is typically grown by smallholder farmers using organic, shade-grown methods in semi-forest environments, where coffee trees benefit from natural canopies and rich humus. Guji coffees are celebrated for their complexity and have gained recognition as a distinct category, separate from neighboring Sidamo and Yirgacheffe coffees, since the early 2000s.
The Chebega designation refers to a specific micro-lot or washing station within the Guji Zone, known for producing Grade 1 specialty coffee. The coffee is meticulously processed, often using the washed method, which involves de-pulping ripe cherries, fermenting them for 36–48 hours, and drying them on raised African beds for 12–15 days to enhance flavor clarity and smoothness.
Exporters of Guji Chebega Coffee
Several exporters are involved in bringing Guji Chebega coffee to the global market, often working directly with smallholder farmers or cooperatives. Notable exporters include:
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Guji Coffee Export PLC: Owned and operated by Girma Edema, who has over 20 years of experience exporting coffee from the Kercha district within the Guji Zone. This company manages washing stations where cherries are sorted, processed, and dried on raised beds for 15–20 days. The coffee is then milled in Addis Ababa for export.
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Sakicha Coffee Exporter: A private limited company that operates washing stations across Ethiopia’s premier coffee regions, including Guji. Sakicha sources, processes, and exports both washed and natural green beans, emphasizing quality and traceability. Their operations in the Guji region, particularly in areas like Sakicha village (altitude 2,050–2,200 meters), focus on producing high-quality specialty coffee with intense flavor profiles.
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Testi Coffee: Founded in 2017, Testi Coffee works with over 500 smallholder producers in the Guji Zone, processing both washed and natural coffees. They are recognized for producing stellar coffees, including natural-processed Guji varieties, which are exported to international markets.
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Other Exporters and Cooperatives: Many Guji Chebega coffees are exported through cooperatives or private washing stations that bypass the Ethiopia Commodity Exchange (ECX) to ensure better traceability and premiums for farmers. For example, the Dararo Farmer’s Group was created to supply traceable micro-lots directly from producers, navigating Ethiopia’s complex export regulations. Additionally, exporters like Phyllis Johnson’s BD Imports have been instrumental in highlighting Guji coffees on the international stage, often working with local washing stations to ensure quality.
Additional Context
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Cultural and Historical Significance: The Guji Zone is home to the Oromo people, who have a long tradition of coffee cultivation dating back centuries. Coffee is deeply embedded in their culture, with legends attributing its discovery to the Oromo sky god Waaqa. The region’s coffee farming remains largely traditional, with smallholder farmers intercropping coffee with other plants to promote biodiversity.
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Export Challenges: Ethiopia’s coffee export process is complex, with the ECX historically managing most smallholder transactions. However, since 2021, regulations allowing vertical integration have enabled direct contracts between producers and exporters, improving traceability and farmer compensation. Exporters like those mentioned above often work closely with washing stations to ensure quality and compliance with international standards, such as the European Union Deforestation Regulation (EUDR).
Conclusion
Guji Chebega coffee comes from the high-altitude, fertile lands of the Guji Zone in Ethiopia’s Oromia Region, specifically the Uraga district’s Harowacho village. Its unique flavor profile is a result of traditional farming, high elevation, and meticulous washed processing. Key exporters like Guji Coffee Export PLC, Sakicha Coffee Exporter, and Testi Coffee, along with cooperative groups, play a vital role in sourcing and exporting this specialty coffee to global markets, ensuring quality and traceability. For specific exporters, roasters like Crema Coffee Garage (who source Guji Chebega) may provide further details on their supply chain partners.
