Sidama Bensa Bombe, Ethiopia | ESPRESSO

Tariku Kare Banata’s washed coffees reflect three decades of dedication to craft, community and quality in Ethiopia’s Sidama Region. Tariku began working in coffee at just 15, learning every stage of production—from harvesting and processing to quality control and business management. In 2012, he realised his long‑held ambition of owning a processing station, establishing his first site in Nensebo Bulga, West Arsi. His operation has since grown into a respected regional supplier, exporting directly to markets including China, Taiwan, South Korea, the United States and Belgium.

Today, Tariku employs around 20 permanent staff and more than 650 seasonal workers. His commitment to quality has earned national recognition, including a first‑grade score among Ethiopian coffees in the 2019/2020 season. He also works closely with local farmers, offering training and technical support to improve harvesting practices and overall productivity.

Processing

Ripe cherries are hand‑selected and floated to remove underripes before passing through a depulper. Seeds are channelled into water tanks where remaining floaters are removed, then fermented for 24–48 hours depending on temperature. Once the mucilage breaks down, the coffee is washed and dried on raised beds until it reaches 10–12% moisture. Each lot is kept separate, labelled and recorded to maintain full traceability.

Stewardship & Community

Tariku’s stations operate a structured traceability system linking every delivery to the individual farmers who produced it. Inspectors visit farms before harvest to assess readiness and verify organic practices, while daily records track volumes delivered and payments made. Lots remain separated throughout processing, drying and storage, and bags are tagged with origin and lot information through to export.

Beyond traceability, Tariku invests in farmer training, helping producers improve cherry selection, farm management and yields. Many farmers grow coffee alongside livestock and other crops, and his support provides practical guidance that strengthens both quality and livelihoods