Tomas Ganamo Espresso

Origin: Ethiopia

Process: Natural

Varieties: 74112, 74158

Importer: Sucafina

Harvest: 2023/24

Per-Kilogram green price: £10.62

Amount purchased: 60kg

Smallholder Tomas Ganamo is a dedicated and passionate coffee farmer who lives and farms in the picturesque Bombe district in Sidama. In 1991, Tomas inherited a six-hectare plot of land from his father, who had been cultivating teff and corn on the land. Inspired by his father's legacy, Tomas decided to continue the family tradition of farming but also embarked on a new venture by introducing coffee to the farm in 2005.

For many years, Tomas would sell his coffee cherry to the local mill owner. However, in 2018, fueled by his desire for greater control over the quality of his coffee, Tomas took a bold step forward. He set up his own mill on his farm, allowing him to process his cherry with meticulous care and attention to detail. This decision marked a turning point in Tomas's journey as a coffee farmer and opened up new opportunities for his exceptional coffee. Since 2020, Tomas has been working with Lulo Coffee to help him find markets for his remarkable coffee.

Beyond his dedication to coffee farming, Tomas finds immense joy in his role as a father. With six children to raise, Tomas instills the values of hard work, respect for nature and the importance of education in each of them. While one of his children has followed in his footsteps as a coffee farmer, the rest are pursuing their studies and shaping their own futures.

Bombe, Sidama, where Tomas's farm is located, is renowned as a coffee-producing district of exceptional quality. It is a competitive region, with some of the highest average cherry prices in Ethiopia. These high prices are a testament to the remarkable coffees grown there. Tomas's farm stands proudly among the esteemed coffee producers of this district, reflecting his unwavering commitment to excellence and sustainable practices.

Nestled within his six-hectare farm is a flourishing garden that showcases the principles of regenerative farming. Tomas embraces a multi-crop and organic farming approach, harmoniously cultivating various crops alongside his coffee plants. This sustainable and holistic farming method not only nurtures the soil but also creates a diverse ecosystem that benefits the entire farm.

Tomas and hired laborers selectively handpick ripe, red cherry and process it on the farm. Cherry is laid on raised beds to sundry. Workers visually sort through drying cherry to remove any damaged or unripe cherry. They also rake cherry frequently to ensure even drying. It takes approximately 16 days for cherry to dry.