Coffee professionals throughout the world are realizing that Guji, as a coffee region, is significantly different than its neighboring regions, Sidamo and Yirgacheffe. Guji zone was previously categorized as a sub-region of Sidamo, but has proven itself as distinct. It has gained reputation and stature because of its unique and differentiating flavor profiles.
The Oromo people of Guji consider their region as the ancestral cradle of Oromo culture. The ceremonies, rituals, and lore that come forth of the Gada age-group system, are still subsequently and widely practiced among Guji’s inhabitants. Besides the system, coffee farming has ancient roots within the Guji culture – the two are inseparable.
Guji coffees offer a complex, yet balanced, cup profile that does well in both filter and espresso. Certification options are plentiful, as well as processing techniques. Historically, Guji has always offered washed and naturals exclusively, but recently, producers started to produce honey’s as well.
For more than a decade, we have worked among the people of Guji, and have witnessed the rise and development of exemplary coffee producers that raised the standards of coffee cultivation in Ethiopia. Haile Gebre (Shakisso Farm) and Tesfaye Bekele (Suke Quto Farm), are the leading coffee figures in Guji. Both of them manage large coffee estates and provide a steady income for local smallholders and pickers.
‘I am a living witness that Trabocca has great value in the coffee chain. They have had a positive impact on our quality and have provided a sustainable market for us the last 12 years.’
In addition to the ‘Coffee Regions of Ethiopia’ map, we have constructed the ‘Guji zone’ map, which homes in on the locations of the growers we work with. It gives a sense of where the coffees of Guji are grown – showing the exact geo-location of our finest partners. Download the map, trace Guji coffee back to its exact location, and click on the names of the locations to learn more about the specific farms, washing and drying stations.