Sourced from the heart of the Gedeo Zone—a region world-renowned for its lush terroir and deep-rooted heritage—this lot showcases the very finest qualities of the Gedeb district. Named after the vibrant village in which it is processed, Chelichele represents a steadfast commitment to exceptional quality under the management of local producer Alemayehu Abera.
Cultivated within a dense semi-forest ecosystem, the crop grows naturally without chemical fertilisers. Instead, the trees flourish beneath a dense canopy of indigenous Enset ("false banana"), which provides critical shade for the ripening cherries whilst sustaining the surrounding ecosystem and community.
Operating a compact 1.8-hectare washing station supported by a core team of two, Alemayehu oversees an incredibly focused harvest. Between December and January, the site becomes a hive of activity, providing vital seasonal employment for around 100 local workers who selectively hand-pick and sort only the fully ripe fruit.
Once harvested, the cherries undergo rigorous quality sorting before being transferred to raised African drying beds. Patiently turned and monitored under the sun for 15 to 17 days, the coffee achieves precise moisture balance before export—delivering a remarkably clean, complex profile in every cup.
