Decaf Ethiopia Suke Quto Natural

Suke Quto Coffee Farm, owned and managed by Ato Tesfaye Bekele—one of the key figures in putting the Guji region on the specialty coffee map—spans nearly 550 acres. The farm, along with its washing station and dry mill, has become a significant player in the Guji highlands. Suke Quto collaborates with 171 local farmers who deliver coffee cherries to the mill, and over 200 seasonal workers are employed for the harvesting and processing of the coffee. Their mission centers on producing environmentally friendly coffee in an economically viable way that benefits the local community and helps individuals earn a fair living through sustainable coffee farming.

Tesfaye comes from a family with a long history of coffee production but initially began his career in the Ethiopian government’s Natural Resource and Environmental Protection department. In the late 1990s, the Guji region faced devastating wildfires that wiped out thousands of acres of forest. As a dedicated government official, Tesfaye sought to offer an alternative to traditional crops like maize and tef by advocating for the replanting of forests with native plants, including coffee. While the local community supported the idea, they lost interest when they learned it would take 4-5 years for the plants to bear fruit. Unable to find anyone willing to manage the seedling nursery, Tesfaye decided to leave his government position and pursue coffee farming. Once he began harvesting his own coffee, the community returned, eager to inquire about seedlings.

Suke Quto adheres to strict farming practices and is certified organic, as well as holding Rainforest Alliance certification.