Bekele Yutute

Bekele Yutute is a dedicated smallholder coffee producer operating in the Bensa woreda of the Sidama region in Ethiopia. His primary farm, known as Denbi, spans approximately 3.9 hectares and is situated at an impressive elevation of 2,150 meters above sea level. This high-altitude environment is a critical factor in the quality of his output, as the cooler temperatures allow for slower cherry maturation, which contributes to the complex, fruit-forward flavor profiles for which his coffee is celebrated. The farm is a family-run operation, reflecting the traditional small-scale agricultural practices that define much of the specialty coffee production in the Sidama zone.

Bekele Yutute is known for cultivating specific coffee varieties, including JARC selections such as 74158, 74110, and 74112. These varieties are part of the Jimma Agricultural Research Center’s efforts to distribute disease-resistant and high-quality cultivars to Ethiopian farmers. By focusing on these specific genetic lines, Yutute is able to maintain a consistent and high-quality harvest that meets the rigorous standards of the specialty coffee market. His processing methods, particularly his natural (sun-dried) process, are highly regarded for producing coffees with distinct notes of white plum, floral aromatics, and a structured, juicy sweetness.

To navigate the complexities of the Ethiopian coffee export landscape, Yutute joined the Lalisaa Project. This initiative is designed to provide smallholder farmers with the necessary resources, infrastructure, and logistical support to process their coffee independently and connect directly with international buyers. This project has been instrumental in allowing producers like Yutute to bypass traditional, opaque supply chains, ensuring that the value of their high-quality work is better reflected in the prices they receive. This direct connection has enabled roasters globally to feature his specific lots as single-origin offerings.

Beyond his own farm, Yutute is deeply embedded in the local coffee community. He maintains close ties with family members who are also active in the industry, including his brother-in-law, who manages a farm in Kokose that achieved 5th place in the 2021 Cup of Excellence competition. Yutute also utilizes drying stations near Dembe, his birthplace, to manage the post-harvest processing of his cherries. This network of family-managed farms and drying stations allows for a high degree of control over the quality of the final product, from the moment of harvest to the final drying stages.

The recognition of Bekele Yutute’s coffee by specialty roasters highlights the growing consumer interest in traceable, producer-specific Ethiopian coffee. His work is frequently cited by roasters for its versatility, performing well as both a filter coffee and an espresso. By maintaining a focus on quality-driven agricultural practices and leveraging modern support structures like the Lalisaa Project, Yutute has established himself as a notable figure in the Bensa coffee landscape.

For the drinker, the name Bekele Yutute represents a commitment to the classic, vibrant, and fruit-forward profile associated with high-quality Sidama coffee. For the roaster, it represents a successful model of direct-trade collaboration that prioritizes the producer's autonomy and the integrity of the coffee. As the Ethiopian coffee industry continues to evolve, the story of Bekele Yutute serves as a clear example of how smallholder farmers can achieve international acclaim through a combination of traditional expertise, high-altitude terroir, and strategic participation in modern supply chain initiatives.