Getachew Zeleke

Getachew Zeleke is a dedicated coffee producer whose farm, Tero Farm, is located in the Shakisso district of Ethiopia. His entry into the coffee industry is marked by a unique professional trajectory; he originally began his career as an accountant. This background in finance provided him with the capital necessary to transition into agriculture, as he was able to leverage the sale of an investment property in Addis Ababa in 2008 to fund his entry into coffee production. This transition reflects a broader trend in the Ethiopian coffee landscape, where individual producers are increasingly taking control of their own processing and export pathways following regulatory reforms in the country.

Located at an impressive altitude of 2,200 meters above sea level, Tero Farm benefits from the high-elevation conditions characteristic of the Guji zone. This altitude is critical for the development of the complex flavor profiles associated with his coffee, which often include notes of white peach, jasmine, and pomelo. The farm focuses on the cultivation of Ethiopian landrace varieties, which are prized for their genetic diversity and the nuanced, tea-like body they contribute to the final cup.

In practice, Zeleke’s production methods emphasize quality control and precision. The coffee cherries are hand-picked at the peak of ripeness and undergo a rigorous floating process to remove any defects before processing begins. For his washed lots, the cherries are de-pulped and subjected to a 36-hour underwater fermentation period. This controlled fermentation is followed by a drying phase on raised beds, which typically lasts between 10 and 14 days, ensuring consistent moisture levels and protecting the beans from ground-level contaminants.

For the roaster and the consumer, the significance of Getachew Zeleke’s work lies in the transparency of the supply chain. Historically, Ethiopian coffee was often aggregated through the Ethiopia Commodity Exchange (ECX), which made it difficult to trace specific lots back to individual farms. By establishing his own farm and managing his production, Zeleke provides a clear link between the land and the final product, allowing for a deeper appreciation of the specific terroir of Shakisso.

This direct approach is part of a larger movement in Ethiopia to move away from anonymous bulk exports toward meaningful, farm-level partnerships. Since the 2017 regulatory changes that allowed farmers to obtain their own export licenses, producers like Zeleke have been able to build direct relationships with international roasters. This shift not only benefits the producer by allowing them to capture more value from their harvest but also provides roasters with the ability to showcase the specific craft of individual farmers.

Today, Getachew Zeleke’s coffee is recognized for its high quality, often graded as Grade 1, which is the highest classification for Ethiopian coffee. His success serves as a testament to the potential of small-to-medium-scale farmers who prioritize processing techniques and site-specific cultivation. As the industry continues to value traceability, producers like Zeleke stand at the forefront of a new era for Ethiopian coffee, where the identity of the farmer is as important as the region of origin.