Bekele Suse Gato is the name of the producer of this coffee, who owns a 2.9 hectare farm in Bensa, Sidamo in Ethiopia. He's part of Sucafina's Lalisaa project which aims to support small farmers in Ethiopia and give them the opportunity to sell their coffees directly into the European market.

Ethiopia is a strictly controlled economy with rules and limitations for export, which is why the Lalisaa project is invaluable in helping small producers. Many small farmers sell whole cherries to a washing station for a fraction of the price they could get if they processed the coffee themselves and exported to a foreign buyer.

During harvest, Bekele employs pickers who selectively pick only ripe, red cherries, which are laid on raised beds, raked frequently and covered during the hottest part of the day and during the night. The drying takes 25 to 30 days, and this slow drying gives a very clean and distinctly Ethiopian flavour profile.

Red forest berries and fruity black tea