Testi Specialty Coffee

Testi Specialty Coffee is a family-owned and operated enterprise based in Ethiopia, founded in 2009 by Faysel Abdosh Yonis. The name 'Testi' is derived from the Harrari language, where it translates to 'happiness,' reflecting the company's foundational philosophy of building long-term, positive relationships with both coffee producers and international buyers. Faysel Yonis, who grew up immersed in the coffee industry and began trading cherry while still in high school, established the company to honor his family’s deep-rooted heritage in coffee cultivation.

Operating as a significant player in the Ethiopian specialty sector, Testi manages a network of 28 washing stations strategically located across the country’s most renowned coffee-growing regions, including Guji, West Arsi, Sidama, and Yirgacheffe. Their business model centers on the 'outgrower' system, where the company purchases coffee cherries from local smallholder farmers to be processed at their facilities. This model allows Testi to maintain rigorous control over the processing standards, ensuring that the unique terroir of each region is preserved in the final cup.

Testi Specialty Coffee is recognized for its meticulous approach to processing, producing both washed and natural lots that are highly regarded for their clarity and distinct flavor profiles. Their coffees frequently feature complex, fruit-forward notes—such as strawberry, peach, and lemon curd—which are characteristic of the high-altitude heirloom varieties grown in these regions. By overseeing the sorting and drying processes at their own stations, they consistently deliver high-scoring specialty lots that meet the demands of the global specialty market.

Beyond production, the company is deeply committed to social responsibility and the economic well-being of the farming communities they serve. Faysel Yonis has spearheaded numerous infrastructure projects, including the construction of education centers and the improvement of access roads in remote coffee-growing areas. This people-focused approach is central to their operations, as they view the thousands of outgrowers who deliver cherry to their stations as an integral part of the 'Testi family.'

Today, the company is managed by Faysel with the support of his son, Fahmi Faysel, and his nephew, Yisak Yonis, ensuring that the family legacy continues to evolve. They maintain active memberships in key industry organizations, including the Ethiopian Commodity Exchange (ECX), the African Fine Coffees Association (AFCA), and the Ethiopian Coffee Exporters Association (ECEA), which underscores their professional standing within the national and international coffee trade.

For roasters and consumers, the Testi tag represents a commitment to traceability and quality. Whether sourcing a natural-processed lot from the village of Bombe or a washed selection from Yirgacheffe, the brand serves as a hallmark of consistent, high-quality Ethiopian specialty coffee. Their work continues to bridge the gap between traditional smallholder farming practices and the high standards required by the modern specialty coffee industry.