Hirut and Mahder Berhanu

Hirut and Mahder Berhanu are prominent figures in the Ethiopian specialty coffee sector, best known for their leadership of the Dumerso washing station located in the Yirgacheffe district. With over two decades of collective experience in coffee production and logistics, the sisters have established themselves as key intermediaries who bridge the gap between smallholder farmers and the international specialty market. Their work is centered on the Dumerso station, a facility originally built in 1998 that had fallen into disuse before the sisters acquired it in 2010 and successfully reopened it in 2013.

The sisters' operational philosophy emphasizes value-added processing, which is critical in a region where coffee accounts for more than 90% of the local population's income. By overseeing rigorous quality control measures—such as the careful selection of ripe cherries and precise drying protocols on raised beds—they ensure that the coffee produced at their station meets the high standards required for Grade 1 and Grade 2 specialty designations. The coffee processed at Dumerso typically consists of indigenous landraces and JARC-developed varieties, grown at high altitudes ranging from 1,900 to 2,200 meters.

Beyond their technical expertise in processing, the Berhanu sisters have distinguished themselves through their commitment to social and economic development. In 2014, they formed Dumerso Industrial Trading PLC, an entity that allowed them to bypass traditional commodity channels and place their coffees directly into the international market. This move was designed to secure better financial outcomes for the more than 230 smallholder farmers who contribute cherries to their station, many of whom reside in the vicinity of St. George’s Church.

Their impact extends to the physical infrastructure of the Dumerso community. The sisters have financed the installation of a local power grid, providing electricity to residents, and have implemented sustainability projects, such as converting coffee parchment into pressed kindling to provide a sustainable alternative to forest-sourced firewood. These initiatives reflect a broader commitment to environmental and social responsibility, which has been further validated by the station’s attainment of organic and Rainforest Alliance certifications.

Gender equity is a central pillar of their operation. During the harvest season, the Dumerso station employs over 400 workers, with women comprising approximately 95% of the workforce. This focus on female empowerment has made them a notable partner for roasters and importers who prioritize sourcing from women-led operations. Their leadership style is characterized by a hands-on approach to management, with Hirut serving as CEO and Mahder as manager, ensuring that every lot processed at the station reflects their standards for quality and ethical production.

For the specialty coffee drinker, the 'Hirut and Mahder Berhanu' tag represents a traceable, high-altitude Yirgacheffe profile, often noted for its complex, fruit-forward, and floral characteristics. Whether processed as a natural or fully washed lot, the coffee is a testament to the sisters' ability to maintain consistency in a challenging agricultural environment. Their story stands as a significant example of how independent producers in Ethiopia can leverage technical skill and direct trade to improve the livelihoods of their community while delivering exceptional coffee to the global market.