Coffee Production at Chelbesa Wet Mill – Gedeb, Gedeo Zone, Ethiopia

1. Historical Background
The Chelbesa Wet Mill, located in the Gedeb district of the Gedeo Zone in southern Ethiopia, is one of the newer additions to Ethiopia’s specialty coffee processing scene. Established in 2019 by SNAP Specialty Coffee, the mill was built with the purpose of processing high-quality coffee cherries from the surrounding smallholder farms in a traceable and sustainable way. Despite its recent entry into the landscape, Chelbesa has rapidly gained international recognition for its attention to detail, cleanliness, and the vibrant flavor profiles of its coffees. The washing station was strategically placed in the Chelbesa kebele, a high-altitude subregion of Gedeb known for producing some of the finest coffees in the country.

2. Regional Context and Development
Chelbesa is situated at altitudes ranging from 1,950 to 2,200 meters above sea level, within a cool and humid microclimate that contributes significantly to coffee quality. The area benefits from rich, fertile soils and a high density of indigenous shade trees, which provide the ideal environment for slow, even cherry ripening.
More than 600 smallholder farmers in the surrounding areas—including communities like Worka Chelbesa and Halo—contribute coffee cherries to the mill. These producers typically cultivate coffee on small plots of 1–2 hectares, growing traditional Ethiopian landrace varieties such as Wolisho, Dega, and 74110/74112 under organic and biodiverse farming conditions. Most of these trees are grown using traditional methods, without chemical fertilizers or pesticides, and intercropped with staple food crops and native shade species.

3. Processing Methods
Chelbesa is primarily known for its washed (fully washed) processing, but the mill also produces natural (dry-processed) coffees depending on market demand and harvest size.
Washed Process: Ripe red cherries are hand-sorted to remove underripes and overripe fruit. They are then floated in water to separate lower-density cherries. The higher-density cherries are pulped using eco-pulpers and fermented in water for 48–72 hours, depending on temperature and altitude. After fermentation, the parchment is washed in clean water and soaked for 8–12 additional hours before being dried on raised African beds for 10–15 days.
Natural Process: Whole cherries are dried in thin layers on raised beds for 15–21 days, during which they are regularly turned to ensure even drying and prevent mold or fermentation defects. The result is a sweet, fruit-forward profile with pronounced complexity.
Both processing styles are carefully managed by SNAP’s on-site quality control team. The use of shade netting during peak sun hours and careful moisture monitoring ensures consistency across lots.

4. Flavor Profile and Quality Impact
Chelbesa’s coffees are widely recognized for their clarity, vibrancy, and elegance—hallmarks of southern Ethiopian terroir. In washed coffees, the typical flavor profile includes:
Bright acidity with notes of citrus, bergamot, and lime zest
Floral aromatics such as jasmine, honeysuckle, or lavender
Delicate stone fruit sweetness (peach, white nectarine)
A tea-like body with a clean, structured finish
In natural-processed lots, Chelbesa coffees often express more fruit-forward character:
Strawberry, blueberry, and tropical fruits
Syrupy sweetness and creamy mouthfeel
Occasionally layered with florals and dried fruit tones
These flavor characteristics have made Chelbesa a preferred origin for roasters seeking vibrant, floral East African coffees, particularly for use in single-origin espresso or filter offerings.

5. Outlook
Chelbesa Wet Mill is poised to remain a key player in Ethiopia’s specialty coffee future. With strong backing from SNAP Specialty Coffee—an exporter known for transparency, traceability, and farmer support—Chelbesa’s infrastructure continues to improve. Producers supplying the mill benefit from:
Premium cherry prices
Immediate payment
Training and agronomic support
Access to international specialty markets
Chelbesa's consistent cup quality and reliable traceability make it an appealing origin for both boutique roasters and larger specialty coffee programs around the world. As climate variability and international market demands evolve, Chelbesa’s commitment to quality, community, and sustainability positions it well for long-term success in Ethiopia’s competitive coffee sector.