Amederaro Konga, Ethiopia

Ethiopia stands as the world’s fifth-largest coffee producer, with half of its coffee consumed domestically while higher-grade coffees are separated for export. A quarter of the population relies on coffee for their livelihood. Many cultivate what’s known as ‘garden coffee’—small plots surrounding their homes, often interplanted with other crops. These vibrant gardens thrive in regions like Yirgacheffe, Guji, and Sidama. In other regions, growers also harvest ‘forest’ or ‘semi-forest’ coffee, which are often low-yielding, wild grown coffee.

This coffee comes from Konga Wete in Gedeo, Yirgacheffe, in southern Ethiopia. At over 2,100 metres above sea level, the region’s high altitude and unique climate create an ideal growing environment, resulting in a distinctive flavour profile. Harvest begins in November, with farmers delivering their cherries to the Amederaro Konga washing station, located just six kilometres from Yirgacheffe town. 

Spanning 2.5 hectares, the station plays a vital role in processing and showcasing the area’s exceptional coffee, as well as paving the way to contemporary coffee production. In this part of Ethiopia, Primrose, an experienced coffee exporter, operates multiple washing stations. Farmers bring their best cherries to these facilities, where they are fairly compensated for their work. At Amederaro Konga alone, over 1,890 farmers contribute to the harvest.

Primrose collaborates with more than 3,000 farmers across Yirgacheffe and Guji, creating opportunities for growers to earn premiums for high-quality coffee. This specific lot is a washed process from Amederaro Konga. Established in 2018, the Amederaro Konga washing station employs a variety of processing methods, including fully washed, natural, anaerobic, supernatural, and carbonic maceration. Its 190 shaded drying beds and 10 primary fermentation tanks allow for diverse and experimental coffee production. 

Owned by Amederaro Washing Station PLC—a sister company of Primrose Coffee Exporter—the station represents a deep commitment to quality. Primrose itself, founded in 2010 by Abreham Mengiste and Meseret Workneh, has been instrumental in bringing the coffees of Yirgacheffe and Guji to the world stage.

The Amederaro Konga station was recognised with the AFCA TOH 2019 award for excellence. Beyond quality, the station invests in its community, building schools and providing educational materials for local children. Amederaro Konga embodies the principles of quality and care, enhancing Ethiopia’s legacy as a leader in coffee cultivation while supporting the people at the heart of its production.