Inside Trabocca's Addis Ababa operations

Meet Wolde Tagesse

Quality Lead at Trabocca Ethiopia

Wolde Tagesse, Quality Lead Ethiopia, plays a crucial role in Trabocca’s Addis Ababa office. He oversees our coffee supply chains in all quality-related matters, ensuring Trabocca maintains an edge in sourcing the finest Ethiopian coffee. In this interview, Wolde talks about his background, Trabocca’s Ethiopia operations, and shares some emerging micro-regions that are producing some of the country’s most exceptional coffees.

 

What inspired your passion for coffee and led you to pursue a career in the industry?

“I was born and raised in southern Ethiopia, surrounded by the vibrant coffee culture that defines the region. My earliest memories are filled with the rich aroma of coffee being roasted for traditional ceremonies. Growing up in this environment ignited my passion for coffee, shaping my career from an early stage. Working with Trabocca for three harvest seasons, I have the opportunity to connect farmers to global markets. And share Ethiopia’s rich coffee heritage with the world.”

Wolde Tagesse

A story that defines your passion for coffee?

“A memorable moment in the Ethiopian coffee sector for me was visiting a remote coffee farm in Gambella, Mejang, godare district. The farmers were deeply passionate about their craft, and one elderly farmer shared how he had been growing coffee for over 40 years. He spoke about how coffee had been a part of his family’s legacy and the pride he felt in his harvest. What really struck me was how the farmers, despite their limited resources, had an unwavering commitment to preserving traditional cultivation methods while slowly integrating sustainable practices. That experience made me realize the deep cultural and personal connection that coffee has in Ethiopia. Not just as a commodity, but as a way of life.”, answers Wolde.

 

Wolde chatting with a farmer in Yirgacheffe, Bule.

How did you start working in coffee?

“I began my career as a coffee quality control expert at the district level, developing a deep understanding of coffee evaluation. Afterwards, I joined the Ethiopian Commodity Exchange (ECX), where I could further refine my skills in grading and quality assurance. My journey continued with Technoserve, where I worked as a senior coffee quality advisor, helping farmers improve coffee quality to gain better market access. Additonally, I pursued a master’s in coffee science and economics through an Illycaffè program with the Trieste and Udine universities. This academic experience provided me with a strong foundation in coffee science, economics, trade, and sustainability.”

 

Wolde cupping new crop samples at the Addis Ababa quality lab.

The edge in sourcing Ethiopian finest coffees

Trabocca Ethiopia Operations

When it comes to Trabocca Ethiopia operations, Wolde plays a key role in upholding our high-quality standards from farm to export. “I oversee incoming samples, leverage my expertise to select best-fit coffees, and strengthen relationships with our team and suppliers. This involves training the team, setting up early harvest preparations, ensuring traceability and consistency, as well as leading communications on any projects involving suppliers and producers.”, explains Wolde.

Inside Trabocca's Addis Ababa office

boasts an extensive team of 9 local employees in the Addis Ababa office. With a focus on quality operations, we are vertically integrated into supplier's processes, enabling us to

  • maintain close supplier relationships,
  • monitor quality from the seed to exportation,
  • draw samples directly at suppliers’ warehouses,
  • quick and efficient coffee assessments,
  • calibrate with suppliers in protocols,
  • sensory calibrations with suppliers,
  • supervise each container stuffing,
  • and assure the smooth supply of great coffee.

Current challenges and opportunities for Ethiopian coffee

 

“Navigating Ethiopia’s coffee sector has never been more complex,” says Wolde Tagesse. “Producers and exporters are facing mounting challenges, from new EUDR regulations and shifting government policies to extreme market volatility.” Consistently producing high-quality coffee requires expertise in harvesting, post-harvest handling, and processing, yet many smallholders struggle with limited access to financing and market insights.

“Infrastructure is another major hurdle,” Wolde continues. “Poor road networks and rising transportation costs, driven by currency devaluation, make market access even more difficult.” While Ethiopia has seen favorable weather conditions this season, erratic climate patterns still pose long-term risks to yields and crop quality.

Overcoming Industry Challenges

“Trabocca bridges these gaps by providing market access, financing, and technical guidance while ensuring roasters a consistent supply of great coffee.”, Wolde says. By navigating the complexities of sourcing, logistics, and compliance, Trabocca helps both farmers and roasters thrive in an increasingly demanding coffee industry.

 

A Proven Approach to Quality and Sustainability

“With over two decades of experience in Ethiopian coffee, Trabocca has developed a proven system to ensure the best deliveries,” Wolde Tagesse explains. “We’ve established rigorous internal food safety, risk assessment, and vendor approval processes to minimize risks at every stage.” Trabocca integrates deeply into the supply chain, ensuring quality from seed to container stuffing.

In fact, many of our relationships date back to 2003, when Trabocca was founded. “We work closely with suppliers, not just as buyers, but as partners,” Wolde continues. “Projects like Operation Cherry Red and our Wet Mill Traceability Protocols help farmers elevate cup quality, sustainability, and traceability. Ultimately opening doors to niche markets.” This approach enables producers to access premium payments, reinforcing financial stability and reinvestment in their farms and livelihoods.

Connecting Producers and Roasters

By bridging producers with international buyers, Trabocca not only ensures roasters have access to unique supply chains but also drives direct impact at origin. “We help farmers navigate the complexities of exporting, while roasters secure a consistent supply of great coffee,” Wolde adds. “We’re here to build a future where producers thrive, quality flourishes, and Ethiopian coffee earns the recognition it deserves.”

 

Tibebu Roba’s family smelling their own coffee, roasted by Gringo Nordic and Friedhats.

Emerging Ethiopian Micro-regions

What are your favorite Ethiopian regions?

Ethiopia’s coffee landscape is incredibly diverse, with micro-regions producing distinct and exceptional profiles. Some have gained recognition through competition wins, while others remain hidden gems.”, says Wolde and continues to share his favorite regions:

  • Guji, Hambella, Buku & Guji, Uraga, Solomo: Amongst the highest-altitude coffee-growing areas in the Guji zone. Both areas produce some of the most floral and complex Guji coffees.
  • Sidama, Arbegonna: The region got more fame recently, due to outstanding results in competitions. Expect vibrant cups with extremely silky mouthfeel, especially with their natural processed lots.
  • West-Arsi, Nensebo: The Nensebo district has been a key player in gaining recognition for West Arsi as a distinct zone. Previously, all coffees from this region were exported under the Sidama name.
  • Yirgacheffe, Gedeb Chelchele: A high-altitude zone often exceeding 2,200 masl. While Yirgacheffe is famous for its classic washed profile, Chelchele is producing some of the most fruit-forward, expressive natural coffees in Yirgacheffe.

What are your future aspirations for Trabocca, Wolde?

“Looking ahead, I hope Trabocca can continue to be a bridge between Ethiopian farmers and the global market, emphasizing transparency and fair trade practices. Our goal is to support farmers and suppliers with sustainable and efficient practices that elevate their quality of life as much as their quality of coffee. I also hope Trabocca can help bring more international recognition to Ethiopia’s diverse coffee regions, highlighting the unique flavors that make Ethiopian coffee so special.

 

Traditional coffee ceremony with frankincense.

“Ultimately, I want to ensure that Trabocca plays a role in preserving the rich coffee heritage of Ethiopia while fostering innovation and growth within the sector.”

Wolde Tagesse