Ethiopia Musa Abalulesa - Wholesale

The story of Musa Abalulesa coffee business, like many others in Ethiopia, is closely tied to political upheaval and guerilla warfare dating back more than 50 years. Their guerilla father Abalulesa had a bounty placed on him by the communist Derg regime. After his death, when Musa was only 2, the family was awarded amnesty and land, which is now Musa’s coffee farm. 

Musa and his two brothers operate their own small farms in Gomma. He purchases and processes coffee cherry from 21 nearby smallholders in addition to his own. He farms organically and incorporates honey bees and crops like avocados. Musa and his brother Mustefa produce seeds to supply government seed banks. This diversification is important for his farm and livelihood.

It is difficult to maintain traceability on small farms in Ethiopia and direct market access for growers is rare. In 2006, Musa won a government competition and was awarded a hand pulper and cash, which he used to expand his farm. He found success in direct markets. However in 2008, the Ethiopian Commodity Exchange forced producers to sell to commercial markets for lower prices. Eight years later, export policy changes allowed direct market access again. Musa benefits from higher premiums which he is reinvesting in farm improvements like new seed-stock, shade structures, and additional drying beds.

This coffee is unique on our menu - we haven’t had many offerings from this area of the country. Jimma is known as the origin of the coffee species. This lot from Musa Abalulesa is comprised of specific JARC (Jimma Agricultural Research Centre) variety selections which are improved cultivars developed from local and regional heirlooms. Our flavor notes from Musa Abalulesa’s coffee are pleasantly earthy with delicate floral and tea-like notes, combined with spicy sweetness, dried fruit, and citrus.