Demeka Becha

Demeka Becha is a washing station situated at the summit of a hill near the village of Becha in the Bona Zuria district of the Sidama region, Ethiopia. The station is owned and managed by the family of Ayele Tulu, his wife Genet Haile Endeshow, and their son Tsegab Ayele. This location is strategically significant, as its high elevation—typically between 2,100 and 2,200 meters above sea level—and its hilltop position provide the ideal airflow necessary for the consistent drying of coffee cherries on raised beds.

The washing station serves as a vital hub for the surrounding agricultural community, purchasing coffee cherries from nearly 10,000 smallholder farmers. These producers cultivate coffee on small plots, often ranging from 0.5 to 2 hectares, utilizing traditional, heritage-based, and organic farming practices. By aggregating these diverse lots, the station facilitates the processing of high-quality Ethiopian landrace varieties that reflect the unique terroir of the Sidama region.

Processing at Demeka Becha is characterized by meticulous attention to detail. Cherries are hand-picked at peak ripeness and floated to remove low-density defects. After de-pulping, the coffee undergoes a wet fermentation process, which can last between 36 and 72 hours depending on the specific lot and conditions. Following fermentation, the beans are graded by density and dried on raised beds for 10 to 14 days until they reach an optimal moisture content of approximately 10 percent.

For roasters and consumers, Demeka Becha is synonymous with the classic, high-toned washed Ethiopian profile. The cup is frequently described as having a tea-like body with vibrant acidity and complex notes of jasmine, bergamot, peach, pineapple, and Meyer lemon. These characteristics have earned the station recognition in professional coffee reviews, where it is often praised for its delicate, floral structure and aromatic intensity.

The success of Demeka Becha is a testament to the collaborative relationship between the Tulu family and the thousands of smallholder farmers who supply the station. By maintaining rigorous quality control standards—such as density separation and careful monitoring of fermentation—the station ensures that the collective output of these small farms is elevated to a specialty grade suitable for international export.

Today, Demeka Becha stands as a benchmark for quality in the Sidama region. Its ability to consistently produce compelling, high-scoring lots has made it a sought-after source for specialty roasters worldwide. The station's ongoing operations continue to support the livelihoods of thousands of producers while providing the global coffee market with a reliable and distinct expression of Ethiopian coffee heritage.