Ethiopia Bekele Belaycho Natural

Bekele Belaycho produces coffee at his Hora Ganet site in Bensa, a name that translates to “Spring Paradise.” A longtime farmer, Bekele brings years of agricultural experience and six years as a cooperative treasurer to his independent operation. This is our first year purchasing his coffee.

Bekele focuses primarily on natural and anaerobic lots, processing cherry from his own farms alongside purchases from more than 100 neighboring growers. All cherries are floated before processing, then slowly dried for 22 to 25 days to preserve sweetness and stability. He uses his own moisture meter to assess quality prior to export, maintaining control throughout the final stages of preparation. Farm operations are managed by his son, Beleteno, a graduate of Hawassa University with a degree in economics, who oversees daily production. Together, they continue refining quality across Bekele’s sites in Hora Ganet and Kokose.