Worka Chelbessa - Negusse Debla, Ethiopia

People:

Negusse Debela, a former importer of computer parts, had a transformative experience in a Minnesota café. This pivotal moment led him to abandon his previous career and return to Ethiopia. He embarked on a journey, touring processing stations across the southern region and eventually establishing SNAP Specialty Coffee in 2008. Today, SNAP operates two sites in Worka Chelbessa, a kebele within the Gedeo Zone. Located at an altitude of 1900 to 2200 meters, Worka Chelbessa is the newest and southernmost district of the Gedeo Zone.

Place:

Ethiopia, the birthplace of coffee, boasts diverse regions where coffee thrives. These regions include Sidama, Yirgacheffe, Guji, Harrar, and Gedeo. Coffee is cultivated at altitudes ranging from 1,500 to 2,200 meters above sea level. The unique characteristics of each region, including indigenous varieties, smallholder farming practices, and diverse microclimates, contribute to the diverse flavors of Ethiopian coffee. Coffee is harvested from October to January, resulting in complex and aromatic profiles with bright acidity and distinctive floral and fruit notes that are highly sought after globally.

Producer: Neguesse Debela, the owner of SNAP, collaborates with farmers in the kebele of Worka Chelbessa.