LALESA - Ethiopia

Producer – Lalesa

Process – Natural   

Varietal – Heirloom

Origin – Ethiopia

Tasting Notes – Blueberry, Dark Chocolate

Info :

Origin and Harvest

Ethiopia’s coffee landscape is shaped by three distinct seasons that guide every stage of growth. Bega (October to January) is the long dry period when harvesting and processing take place. Belg (February to May) brings the first rains that trigger flowering and early fruit development. Krempt (June to September) delivers heavier rains that support the final stages of fruit growth and ripening. As the rains stop in late September, cherries mature quickly and the busy harvest begins from November.

About Ephtah Specialty Coffee

Ephtah Specialty Coffee champions sustainable, transparent partnerships with farmers and their communities. Their supply chains prioritise quality at every stage and highlight the vital role women play in Ethiopia’s coffee sector. By investing in education, fair payments, and long-term relationships, Ephtah helps ensure exceptional green coffee and meaningful impact for everyone involved.

Lalesa Washing Station

This lot comes from the Lalesa washing station in Gedeb, a vibrant community of more than 300,000 people. The region has deep agricultural traditions and is known for cultivating Enset as a staple crop. The Siqe river marks the border with Guji and the Southern region, and the local language, Gedeoiniya, reflects the area’s rich cultural identity.

Processing

Cherries undergo a nine-day fermentation in plastic barrels before drying on raised beds for 13 to 18 days. Once ready, the coffee is stored in the station’s warehouse before being transported to Addis Ababa.

Journey to Export

Final preparation takes place at Moplaco in Gerji, Addis Ababa. From there, the coffee travels by train to Djibouti for export.

Social and Environmental Impact

Ephtah’s work goes beyond coffee quality. Farmers receive initial payments on delivery, followed by premiums and second payments to support household needs such as school fees. Planned initiatives include expanding their Ama Commitment scheme, improving water access for flotation, adding more drying beds, and cultivating secondary crops to strengthen local markets.

Challenges and Future Vision

Despite financial pressure from national inflation-control policies, Ephtah continues to invest in its communities and infrastructure. Plans include expanding drying facilities and increasing support for local farmers during and beyond the harvest.

Site at a Glance

• Permanent staff: 20
• Seasonal staff during harvest: 250
• Drying beds: 350
• Harvest season: Late November to January
• Largest drying and washing site in the Gedeb region