Ethiopia – Chelbesa

The story behind the Chelbesa station

Located at an elevation of 2150–2200 m a.s.l., the Chelbesa station employs up to 150 seasonal workers during harvest. Operated by Ephtah Specialty Coffee, the station is part of their mission to build sustainable and transparent supply chains that benefit producers and their communities.

Covering around 2 hectares and equipped with 150 drying beds, the station focuses not only on quality but also on gender equity and fair labor practices.

How Chelbesa is processed

Ripe cherries are first sorted, including flotation in water, and depulped. Fermentation takes place without water, in tanks, and drying is done on raised African beds for 10 to 15 days, depending on weather conditions.

Once dried, the coffee is stored before being transported to Addis Ababa, then by rail to the port of Djibouti for export. Despite the challenges of fermentation and drying, the station consistently maintains high quality.

Varietal
Chelbesa coffee is made from traditional Ethiopian Heirloom varieties – genetically diverse cultivars that occur naturally in the region. Thanks to the high altitude and washed process, the cup offers a delicate structure, floral aromatics, and remarkable clarity.