Yirgacheffe Coffee: The Birthplace of Arabica
Where Is the Yirgacheffe Coffee Region?
Yirgacheffe is a coffee-growing zone in the Gedeo Zone of Ethiopia's SNNPR, widely regarded as the birthplace of Arabica coffee. Grown at 1,750–2,200 metres, it produces the world's benchmark washed coffees — known for jasmine, bergamot, and lemon zest — scoring 84–92 SCA. Free samples available.
Yirgacheffe occupies the Gedeo Zone of Ethiopia's Southern Nations, Nationalities, and Peoples' Region (SNNPR), and is widely considered the origin point of all coffee cultivation. The region's combination of extreme altitude (1,750–2,200m), rich volcanic soils, and consistent rainfall patterns creates a terroir uniquely suited to producing coffees of extraordinary aromatic complexity.
Washed Yirgacheffe coffee has set the global standard for what Ethiopian specialty coffee can be. The region pioneered the use of modern wet-processing techniques in Ethiopia, resulting in coffees of exceptional clarity where floral and citrus notes can express themselves without the heavier fruit character of natural processing. Today, Yirgacheffe washing stations are among the most technically advanced in Africa.
The region encompasses several notable sub-zones — Kochere, Gedeb, Chelchele, and Wonago — each with its own microclimate and subtle flavour characteristics. Kochere is particularly prized by competition-grade buyers for its intensely floral lots, while Gedeb produces coffees with remarkable citric brightness. Our sourcing relationships span all major sub-zones, enabling us to offer a diverse portfolio of Yirgacheffe expressions each harvest.
Natural-processed Yirgacheffe lots have gained significant popularity in recent years, offering a different dimension of the region's terroir. These lots develop strawberry, tropical fruit, and wine-like complexity with more body than their washed counterparts, making them excellent candidates for espresso blends and single-origin espresso programmes.
Flavour Profile Comparison
Bright & Floral
- Jasmine
- Bergamot
- Lemon zest
- Earl Grey tea
Fruity & Complex
- Strawberry
- Tropical fruit
- Red wine
- Cocoa
Key Origin Data
| Region | Gedeo Zone, SNNPR, Ethiopia |
| Altitude Range | 1,750 – 2,200 metres above sea level |
| Typical SCA Score | 84 – 92 points |
| Processing Methods | Washed, Natural |
| Harvest Season | October – January |
| Available Bag Sizes | 30 kg, 60 kg (GrainPro lined) |
| Export Grade | G1 / G2 (Specialty) |
| Certifications Available | Organic, Fairtrade, Rainforest Alliance |
Traceability & Documentation
Every Yirgacheffe lot includes: named washing station, GPS coordinates, altitude, harvest date, processing method, and SCA cupping report from a licensed Q-grader. Our traceability system meets EUDR requirements and provides the documentation standard expected by the world's leading specialty importers.
Commercial Information
Minimum Order
1 bag (60 kg) for sample orders; 10 bags (600 kg) for commercial shipments
Incoterms
FOB Djibouti, CIF major ports worldwide
Lead Time
4–6 weeks from order confirmation to vessel loading
Lot Sizes
Typically 20–300 bags per lot
Request a Yirgacheffe Sample
We have multiple Yirgacheffe lots available from the 2024/2025 harvest. Free cupping sample — dispatched within 3 business days.
Request Yirgacheffe Sample →