Ethiopia - the country where coffee had its start! We had the privilege of joining some of our farming, logistics, and exporting partners in their home country this past March. Although the harvest season was finished, we experienced what happens in the “off season” on coffee farms, warehouses, and dry mills in this beautiful country.
NKG Ethiopia - Addis Ababa
During the off-season, one of the most important things to do is cup the coffee that the producers have worked so tirelessly growing, harvesting, and milling. Throughout our trip, we cupped coffees from around the country, sampling specialty grade coffees that could make their way to Vienna. We also cupped coffees from other producers, and sampled coffees that were rated for commodity. Tasting a range of coffees was a good reminder of the variety you can find on the market.
This is a difficult time for the entire coffee chain right now. With coffee prices soaring and the unpredictability of the markets, we got a first-hand look at how this impacts the coffee chain as a whole - from producers to importers.
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Cupping at the offices of NKG Ethiopia in Addis Ababa. These are the partners that help us with the logistics and connections between farmers, exporters, and importers in America.
Daye Bensa and the Dukamo Family
Continuing on our journey, Eden Dukamo toured us through their current and upcoming facilities. Daye Bensa (owned by the Dukamo Family) is the producing partners that give us this month’s spotlight - Ethiopia Gatta Honey and one of our personal favorites Ethiopia Shantawene.
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Daye Bensa’s Farms, Nursery, and Washing Stations
Traveling away from the city and out to Sidama, we saw beautiful landscapes lush with vegetation as well as arid countrysides with dry dirt for miles, thatched and mud houses, towns full of vibrant people, and vistas that take your breath away. Once arriving in Sidama, we visited multiple farms, a school they sponsor, and the Buncho Washing Station.
Education and training are large parts of the Dukamo Family’s mission to provide excellent and sustainable coffees. They have built out a program to train their farming partners in the community and provide them with coffee seedlings and resources to be successful.
Throughout the region, Daye Bensa has set up washing stations where their farming partners can bring their coffee to be washed and dried. This part of the coffee journey normally happens from December to February.
So many hands are needed to get coffee from the farm to our cups, and we are so grateful for all of the steps along the way. Many thanks to NKG Ethiopia and the Dukamo Family for sharing their time and their beautiful country with us.