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The spread of organised coffee cultivation in Ethiopia - as related by lsrael Degefa.

Coffee spread to the highland areas of Sidamo where the trees are newer. In my home area, the trees can be 65-85 years old. Trees this mature no longer produce good, flavoursome coffee but farmers have been resistant to replanting due to the perceived interruption in their income. On a side note, in response to this issue Kerchanshe now runs a range of ...

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Chief Executive Officer

Israel Degefa

The Spread of Organised

Coffee cultivation in Ethiopia.

Welcome to Kerchanshe Coffee’s online home, where tradition meets innovation in every cup we produce. As the CEO of Kerchanshe Group, I am honored to share with you the passion and dedication that drive our journey in the coffee industry. Our story is deeply rooted in the heritage of Ethiopian coffee, and I’m privileged to carry forward this legacy.

A Vision Born from Tradition

Kerchanshe Coffee’s mission is simple but powerful: to deliver the highest quality Ethiopian coffee to the world, while empowering the communities who cultivate it. For me, this mission is personal. Bale Mountain Farm, which I now oversee, was passed down to me from my grandmother, Mrs. Wagayehu Bekele Debela. Her love for coffee and her dedication to traditional growing methods have left a profound impact on me, inspiring the way we work today.

Leadership Through Innovation and Sustainability

As CEO, my leadership is shaped by a deep respect for tradition, combined with a commitment to innovation. Under my stewardship, we have introduced modern techniques, such as drip irrigation and the planting of high-quality, chemical-free coffee seedlings. This ensures that we produce the purest beans while preserving the time-honored practices passed down through generations.

At Kerchanshe, we are always seeking ways to innovate and improve. From investing in coffee drying machines to expanding our reach into international markets, we are committed to pushing the boundaries of excellence in the coffee industry.

Achievements and Milestones

Kerchanshe has grown from its humble beginnings to become Ethiopia’s largest coffee producer and exporter, proudly employing over 1,900 permanent staff and 25,000 seasonal workers. With a presence in coffee regions such as Sidamo, Yirgacheffe, Guji, and beyond, we work closely with over 1 million coffee farmers to bring the finest Ethiopian coffee to the world.

In several years, we’ve celebrated several major milestones, including:

  • Ethiopia's Leading Coffee Exporter: Recognized as the top exporter of Ethiopian coffee, Kerchanshe has significantly boosted Ethiopia's coffee presence on the global stage.
  • Pioneering Sustainability: We have successfully implemented Coffee Drying Machines across all districts where we operate, ensuring a more consistent and higher-quality product for our clients.
  • International Certifications: Our commitment to quality and excellence has earned us multiple local and international certifications, affirming our position as an industry leader.
  • Social Responsibility Impact: Through our social responsibility programs, we’ve built schools, provided clean drinking water to coffee-growing communities, and continuously reinvested in the areas where we operate. These projects have transformed lives and empowered communities throughout Ethiopia.

A Commitment to Our Communities

Beyond coffee, we believe in creating a lasting impact on the communities we work with. Our Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) programs are central to this, with 10% of our annual profits reinvested into building schools, providing clean water, and supporting community development. We are proud to be a company that stands for more than just business — we stand for the people behind every coffee bean.

Looking ahead the Future

As we look to the future, our focus remains on growth, sustainability, and making a difference. We are excited to continue expanding our global footprint and deepening our relationships with the farmers who make everything we do possible. With every cup of Kerchanshe coffee, you are not only enjoying the finest Ethiopian coffee but also supporting a brighter future for countless communities.

Thank you for visiting our website and for being a part of our journey. I invite you to explore more about our work, our values, and the exceptional coffee we’re proud to share with the world. Together, we are shaping the future of Ethiopian coffee.

Warm regards,

Israel Degefa

CEO, Kerchanshe Group