ETHIOPIA - Lemlem Shiburu 80%

Country: Ethiopia
Altitude: 1700 - 2200 MASL
Region: Kochere
Process: Wet Fermentation
Variety: Kurume, 74110, 74112

Lemlem Shibiru was born and raised in Chelelektu town, where she developed a deep passion for coffee cultivation while working as a processing specialist at a local cooperative union. After marrying Shibiru Dukale, who came from a prominent coffee farming family, she became actively involved in managing their farm. However, she dreamed of establishing her own coffee washing station.

In 2019, a pivotal meeting with teams from Jabanto and G Broad opened doors for Lemlem, connecting her directly to the international coffee market. With the support of Mr. Girma Sintayehu, she began processing her red coffee cherries at his washing station. The income from coffee sales through G Broad allowed her to save and invest, and by 2022, she realized her dream by completing her own washing station on a two-hectare plot in Biloya town.

This new washing station quickly became a hub for over 100 local farmers from Biloya and Baya villages, who delivered their cherries to Lemlem, trusting her expertise in quality. Beyond processing coffee, Lemlem uplifted her community by offering fair prices and sharing knowledge on best practices, empowering farmers to improve their yields and practices.

Her success attracted attention from international buyers, ensuring fair compensation for local farmers. The washing station became a gathering place for sharing knowledge and experiences, fostering a sense of community pride. Lemlem also initiated programs to support education and healthcare, emphasizing that community well-being is vital for prosperity.

Recognized for her contributions, Lemlem spoke at agricultural conferences, inspiring others with her journey. Today, she stands as a symbol of resilience and empowerment in the coffee industry, dedicated to supporting local farmers and ensuring the heritage of coffee cultivation thrives for generations to come.

Kenya MCHANA ESTATE 20%

Country: Kenya
Altitude: 2050 - 2550 MASL
Region: Muhuta, Rumonge
Process: Wet Fermentation
Variety: Ruiru 11, SL28

Mchana Estate, one of the largest coffee estates of Kofinaf Company Limited, is located north of Nairobi city and west of Ruiru town. Spanning 907 hectares, it includes 459.1 hectares of bearing area, 377.9 hectares of mulch crop area, 17 hectares of forests, 23 hectares of dams and water bodies, and 30 hectares of infrastructure.

In Kenya, natural coffee processing is uncommon, so pickers receive an additional premium to harvest only the ripest cherries. These cherries are floated in concrete tanks to remove floaters and under-ripes, leaving the heaviest ripe cherries to ferment in water for 24 hours. After washing, the cherries are dried on raised beds for 21-28 days to reach export moisture conditions. The dry huller is then recalibrated for dried cherry processing, and the dried cherries are hulled and prepared for export.