Ethiopia Tibebu Roba Farm

About This Coffee

In Chelchele Kebele in Ethiopia's Yirgacheffe region, we find the coffee farmer - and preacher - Tibebu Roba, who runs an 8,298 hectare coffee farm with his wife at an altitude of 2100 meters. We have visited them several times, most recently our head roaster was there during last year's harvest. Tibebu is a great inspiration for the area's other producers; his dedication and care were evident in all parts of the extremely well-managed farm. The visit to the Roba family is always the absolute highlight of the trip and we are proud to be able to roast their berry-dried coffee for the second time (which has won several competitions in previous years). The coffee has a berry-like acidity with a soft mouthfeel. The sweetness is high with flavors of lychee, tropical fruit and a soft body. A really good coffee from an inspiring and visionary producer. Tibebu mostly grows Kurume and Wolisho varieties on the farm. They are planted in six separate lots, which are divided according to the age and productivity of the plant. All coffee is processed using the berry-dried method where the coffee cherries are spread out on raised drying beds to slowly dry in the sun. Tibebu also grows so-called “false banana”, which is the basis of the local diet, and different types of beans that help fix nitrogen in the soil. Tibebu studied theology before growing coffee and in addition to his role as a coffee farmer, Tibebu remains an active evangelical preacher and a pillar of the local community. His wife, whom he describes as the backbone of the farm, contributes to their success by running a small fashion store that supports their efforts. Tibebu Roba's approach to coffee production reflects his commitment to growing coffee that is free from the use of spraying or artificial fertilizers. Although he has made the decision to no longer be certified as organic, his commitment to responsible farming practices remains unwavering. Tibebu nourishes the coffee plants with home-made compost and embraces sustainable farming practices at every stage. Proof of Tibebu's commitment to producing really good berry-dried coffee is his victory in the 2019 Ethiopian Cup competition, organized by the exporter Trabocca, where his outstanding coffee received 91 points and earned him USD 33,500 in prizes.