Odako #1 Ethiopia

Situated in Bombe, Bensa District, Sidamo, at 2100–2300 masl, the Bensa Setamo Washing Station supports 556 smallholder farmers. The station provides access to drying facilities, quality protocols, and markets, enabling smallholders to achieve higher premiums for their cherries.

Harvest & Post-Harvest

The harvest takes place between October and December, with cherries carefully handpicked at peak ripeness. The first step is to separate the less dense cherries, ensuring only fully mature and high-quality cherries are used.

The selected cherries are placed directly on raised drying beds made from wooden posts and bamboo, covered with mesh. Drying takes about 20 days under sunlight, during which the cherries are stirred every 20–30 minutes for uniform drying. They are protected from excessive sun at midday and from moisture overnight.

Over time, the skin and sticky mucilage surrounding the beans dry naturally, imparting unique flavours to the coffee. Once the beans reach a stable moisture content of 10–11%, they are collected and stored in cool, dry, and ventilated conditions on wooden-panelled floors before milling.

Tariku Kare Banata:

These coffees have been exported through the private exporter Tariku Kare. Our partner works in two different Ethiopian regions, Sidamo and West Arsi, where they also manage their own mill in both locations. Tariku Kare Exporters received recognition from Africa Fine Coffee Association due to the amazing quality coffee they have provided over the years.

Tariku Kare Banata, owner and exporter, was born in Bombe, Bensa Woreda. His journey in coffee began at age 15, working as a labourer at a washing station. Over the years, he advanced to supervisory roles before achieving his dream of owning his own washing station in West Arsi Nensebo Bulga in 2012, at age 33.

In 2020, following regulatory changes, Tariku began exporting coffee directly, initially shipping three containers to China and Taiwan. Since then, he has expanded his exports to South Korea, the USA, Belgium, and beyond.