Beriti smallholders; METAD

The Beriti area, located within the Gedeb district of Ethiopia’s Gedeo Zone, is a region renowned for producing some of the most sought-after coffees in the world. The coffee labeled as 'Beriti smallholders' refers to the collective output of local farmers who have cultivated land in this high-altitude environment for generations. These farmers typically grow coffee alongside food crops on small plots, relying on traditional knowledge and native Ethiopian heirloom varieties to produce cherries with the complex, floral, and fruity profiles characteristic of the Yirgacheffe region.

METAD, an Ethiopian family-owned company founded by the Adinew family, serves as the critical link between these smallholders and the international specialty coffee market. Established in 2010 and rooted in a legacy that traces back to Muluemebet Emiru—Africa’s first female pilot—METAD operates with a 'seed to cup' philosophy. By managing sophisticated washing stations in regions like Gedeb, they provide the infrastructure necessary to process the cherries harvested by Beriti smallholders to exacting standards.

In practice, the partnership functions through a model of vertical integration and rigorous quality control. METAD applies protocols often associated with Latin American specialty production to the Ethiopian context, overseeing every stage from the seedling nursery to the final export. At their Gedeb facility, the coffee is processed—often using natural or washed methods—and subjected to meticulous sorting, including machine-assisted defect removal followed by final manual selection. This level of oversight ensures that the inherent quality of the Beriti harvest is preserved.

For the farmer, this relationship provides access to processing technology and market channels that might otherwise be unavailable, helping to stabilize income and incentivize the production of high-quality cherries. For the roaster and the drinker, the METAD tag acts as a guarantee of traceability and consistency. It allows for the identification of specific lots, such as those from the Beriti area, which are often characterized by high elevations ranging from 2,150 to 2,300 meters, contributing to the dense, flavor-rich beans that define the region's reputation.

METAD’s influence extends beyond simple processing; they have been instrumental in raising the international profile of specific Ethiopian origins, including Hambela and Gedeb. By focusing on transparency and environmental impact, they navigate the complexities of the Ethiopian coffee landscape, where the model of direct relationships remains essential for maintaining quality in a fragile supply chain. Their work ensures that the distinct terroir of the Gedeo Zone is accurately represented in the final cup.

Today, the collaboration between Beriti smallholders and METAD stands as a benchmark for how private enterprise can support small-scale agriculture in Ethiopia. By combining the traditional, heirloom-based farming practices of the Gedeo people with modern, data-driven processing and export standards, they continue to produce coffees that are consistently recognized for their balance, acidity, and clarity. This partnership remains a cornerstone for roasters seeking authentic, high-quality Ethiopian coffee with a clear, documented origin.