Assefa Dukamo Korma

Assefa Dukamo Korma is a foundational figure in the modern Ethiopian specialty coffee landscape. Born and raised in the city of Daye within the Bensa district of the Sidama region, he established Daye Bensa Coffee in 1996 alongside his brother, Mulugeta Dukamo. What began as a modest operation with a single washing station has evolved into one of Ethiopia’s largest and most influential coffee exporters, currently managing dozens of washing stations and multiple farms across the region.

The core of Assefa’s work is centered on the Bensa district, where he has been instrumental in introducing advanced specialty processing techniques to the area. His company, Daye Bensa, operates as both a direct producer—owning sites like the Gatta Farm—and a vital partner to thousands of local smallholder 'out-growers.' By establishing wet and dry mills at strategic locations, he has provided local farmers with the infrastructure necessary to process their harvests to international specialty standards, effectively bringing regional names like Shantawene, Bombe, and Keramo to the global stage.

Assefa’s approach to coffee production is defined by a rigorous focus on quality and innovation. His farms and stations are known for experimenting with diverse processing methods, including washed, natural, honey, and anaerobic fermentations. For instance, his Gatta Farm, which spans 31 hectares, utilizes precise fermentation protocols—often lasting 36 to 48 hours—followed by careful drying on raised African beds. This dedication to technical excellence has consistently yielded high-scoring lots that are sought after by roasters worldwide.

The impact of his work is well-documented in the specialty coffee industry, particularly through his success in the Cup of Excellence (COE) competitions. In 2020, his coffee achieved a notable score of 89.21, and in 2022, his team—including Kenean Dukamo—secured 2nd place in the Ethiopia Cup of Excellence. These accolades serve as a testament to the quality of the heirloom varieties, such as 74110, 74112, and 74158, that are cultivated at the high elevations of 1,900 to 2,400 meters where his operations are situated.

Beyond the cup, Assefa is recognized for his commitment to the economic sustainability of the farming families he works with. He has pioneered initiatives such as 'Out-Growers’ Day,' an event designed to celebrate the contributions of local farmers and provide them with second payments, ensuring that the rewards of high-quality production are shared throughout the supply chain. This model of inclusive growth has helped stabilize the livelihoods of thousands of smallholders in the Sidama region.

Today, Assefa Dukamo Korma stands as a reference point for Ethiopian specialty coffee. His influence extends from the meticulous management of the 'Mother Station' at Bombe to the expansion of his company’s reach into neighboring regions like Guji and Bale. For the roaster and the drinker, his name represents a bridge between the traditional, floral, and complex profiles of Ethiopian heirloom coffees and the modern, precision-driven processing methods that define the current era of specialty coffee.