Danche is a washing station in Chelbesa, in the Gedeo zone, processing coffee from around 400 smallholder farmers. Fertile soils and exemplary farming methods contribute to the high yields these farmers achieve on plots of just 1-2 hectares. The high altitude is another key factor, with cherries maturing more slowly at this elevation, resulting in a longer time on the tree and a slightly later harvest. This is thought to enhance sweetness, and lends these coffees their distinctive fruit-forward, floral profiles.
The Danche station is owned by SNAP coffee, an export company focussed on supporting the smallholder communities in this area. Their principles are to ensure consistent processing of speciality grade coffee, to encourage skill sharing and education, and to implement recycling systems at every stage of production. They have constructed roads in the more remote farming areas, purchased equipment for schools and have the aim of improving healthcare in the farming communities. SNAP’s agronomical and environmental expertise has propelled their processing stations - and the coffees that pass through them - to world renown.
Seasonal buying is about seeing coffee as a crop not a commodity, buying in harmony with the growing seasons to enjoy coffee at its best. This kind of buying has always been the backbone of our business and it’s something we’ve improved and refined every year.
