Chelbessa site

The story

The Chelbessa site is located in the Gedeb district, a region that has gained prominence in the coffee industry over the last decade. Most smallholder farms in this area have been operating and producing coffee for approximately 20 to 30 years.

Challenges

The region faces difficulties related to the need for increased traceability and the logistical demands of managing large numbers of smallholder farmers. Additionally, the site must navigate the complexities of high-altitude coffee production and the specific requirements for specialized processing techniques like anaerobic fermentation.

Innovations

The station has implemented advanced processing techniques, including 72-hour sealed anaerobic fermentation and rigorous quality control measures such as floating cherries to remove defects. It also emphasizes social sustainability by operating as a woman-owned facility that provides economic opportunities for local staff and hundreds of smallholder farmers.