Background of Ethiopian Coffee

Ethiopia is the birthplace of all Arabica coffees. Ethiopian coffee is typically grown at mid to high altitudes, resulting in diverse flavors and aromatic profiles. The country produces large quantities of coffee using both natural and fully washed processing methods.

Basically, in Ethiopia, coffees are classified and designated according the areas in which they are grown. Accordingly, there are five coffee regions viz., Sidama, Yirgacheffe, Southwest (Jimma, Limu and Bonga), Nekemti/ Wellega and Harar Regions.

So far our company is dealing with Limu and Jimma coffees. However, we are planning to include Sidamo, Yirgachefe, Guji, Bonga and Nekemti coffees in a near future.

Natural (Sun-Dried) Coffee

Jimma also spelled as "Djimma" encompasses Ethiopia's largest basket of natural coffee which includes all sun dried coffees produced in the Southwest region of Ethiopia. Jimma Coffee accounts for the major share of average annual exports of un-dried coffee from Ethiopia.

It has suitable agro-ecological conditions for specialty coffee production. Its altitude is between 1600 and 1900masl, the soil is red in color & temperatures are conductive for coffee production.

Jimma coffee is prepared in the dry or "Natural" Process. In this method, coffee cherries are dried whole. In Ethiopia, this is usually done using raised drying beds. Overtime, the skin and sticky juices of cherries dry out in the sun. The process can take several days to a few weeks depending on the temperature and intensity of the sun. Jimma coffees are designated as Gr. 3, 4 & 5

Generally, Limu and Jimma region shares many characteristics with the Southern regions, especially Yirgacheffe and Sidamo. Coffees from the three regions also share the floral notes and citric acidity. Limu is known for having a fuller body than the other two regions.

Wet Processed (Washed) Coffee

Limu lies within the Jimma zone in the western highlands of Oromia, Ethiopia. The area is famous for its forests that are the birthplace of Arabica coffee.

All wet processed coffee from Jimma zone are categorzed under Limmu coffee, viz. Limu Gr.1 & Gr.2.

Limu coffee (washed) generally has a milder acidity compared to coffee grown in other parts of the country like Yirgacheffe and Sidama. It's flavor is generally characterized by balance and clean cup. Traditionally, the natural (sun dried) Limu coffee has normally offered under Jimma category.

About Our Company

Recently, the company has extended its business to export trade of green coffee beans under the name of "Darara Coffee Enterprise". The Enterprise has been established in September 2021, in Addis Ababa. Long before its establishment, the owner has been engaged in Agro-Industry under a company name "Biya Haji" in Jimma zone of Oromia, National Regional state since 1999.

The company owns washingand hulling plants in Jimma Zone of National Regional state of Oromia. The processing plant in Jimma has an assured capacity of processing more than 1500 MT of wet processed coffee and 2000 MT of sun-dried coffee anually. Here, the company directly buys ripe Cherries from private coffee growing farmers and cooperative unions. Regarding coffee processing, we are specialized both in wet (fully washing) and natural processing methods. The company used to sell these coffee products in the country at Ethiopian Commodity Exchange (ECX) market since long time ago and vertically to other exporters.

Then after September 2021, Darara Coffee Enterprise, was established to extend the company's business to export trade level. Since its establishment the company, yearly exports more than 100MT of Limu Grade-2 washed green coffee beans and naturally sun dried grade 3, 4 & 5 coffees to European and Middle East markets.