ETHIOPIA/PEACEMAKER

Producer: Lalesa Station
Region: Gedeb, Ethiopia
Variety: Heirloom
Elevation: 2150 · 2200 masl
Process: Red Honey

Nestled in the highlands of Gedeb, the Ephtah-owned site in Lalesa stands at 2150–2200 meters above sea level. It covers 3.5 hectares and employs 20 permanent staff — expanding to 250 people during peak harvest.

Built in 2023, the Lalesa site features:

• 350 raised drying beds
• Heirloom coffee trees
• Shade from Ensete (false banana) trees
• A dedicated red honey processing station

The farm is part of a vibrant Christian community, with both Protestant and Orthodox members — and is deeply woven into the social fabric of the region.

Ephtah’s work in Lalesa goes beyond the coffee:

• A new daycare for farmers’ children opens this year.
• Women farmers participate in the Ama Commitment, a program designed to increase visibility, support, and economic agency.
• Farmers are paid promptly — with an initial payment made the moment cherries arrive on site.

Future plans include:

• A water tank system for flotation
• Expanding drying capacity
• Introducing crop-sharing programs to support food security and local markets

Kocho (a staple food made from Ensete) is also cultivated here, helping diversify income for local families.

This is more than a great cup of coffee.It’s a window into a growing region.

A moment of care from a committed team.

A supply chain designed for quality — and for people.Lalesa is now the largest drying site in Gedeb, and a flagship for what Ephtah is building:

Coffee that’s ethically sourced, environmentally sound, and deeply human.