Ethiopia
West Arsi
Smallholder Producers
Smallholder Farms
Landrace and Locally Selected Varieties
Natural
November–January
Caramel, Fruity, Mango, Silky, Stone Fruit
2100 meters
N/A
60 kg w/ GrainPro
UAE - Dubai - DMCC
Nestled in the heart of Ethiopia’s West Arsi Zone, the Refisa kebele is part of the Nensebo woreda, a region known for its ideal coffee-growing conditions. This area, with its mountains, volcanoes, and unique climate, has long been celebrated for producing coffees with exotic and consistent cup profiles.
The Refisa village and its surrounding areas, including the kebeles of Adda, Korema, Bulga, Riripa Mendoye, Goreba, and Sorena, are home to nearly 3,000 smallholder family farmers. These farmers, dedicated to the craft of coffee cultivation, deliver their freshly picked cherries to the Tracon washing station, a facility established in 2021. Spanning 3 hectares and equipped with 300 raised beds, this station has an annual capacity of processing coffee equivalent to 7 containers, handling both natural and washed methods.
In this region, the traditional processing techniques are key to preserving the quality of the coffee. The whole cherry, including the skin, pulp, and mucilage, remains intact during fermentation. The beans are then dried in the sun on raised beds, where they are constantly turned to prevent spoilage. Once fully dried, the cherries are hulled to extract the prized green beans.
Historically, this area was classified as part of the Sidama coffee region, but it has now emerged as its own distinct zone, bordered by Sidama to the west, Guji to the south, and the Arsi and Harrar coffee regions to the east. The unique terroir of West Arsi, combined with the dedication of its farmers, makes this coffee truly special—a testament to the perfect growing conditions and the rich heritage of Ethiopian coffee.
As the coffee industry continues to grow in Ethiopia, the country’s historic growing areas don’t always match up with the current-day maps defining Ethiopia’s geography. Our goal is to provide the clearest and most accurate information about the coffees that we offer, and we’re proud to provide the most specific location information we have for these coffees. Learn more about Ethiopia’s coffee growing regions on our blog.
Region: Oromia
Zone: West Arsi
Woreda: Nensebo
Kebele: Refisa
ECX Growing Area: Sidama
Ethiopia’s West Arsi zone is located in the Oromia region, bordered by Sidama, East Shewa, Arsi, Bale, and Guji. The area shares many production characteristics with its neighboring Sidama, and was previously considered to be part of the Sidama growing area before reclassification. The zone is populated by nearly 3 million people today, of which nearly 90% are of the Oromo ethnic group.
