The Lalesa Gedeb Black Honey lot is grown at high elevations of 2150–2200 MASL beneath the shade of Ensete, or false banana trees. Ripe cherries are sourced from nearby smallholder farmers before being floated to remove defects and carefully processed to maximise cup quality. After a short period on drying beds to increase mucilage, the coffee is pulped and dried slowly under shade for 14–18 days. Once fully dried, the coffee is transported to Addis Ababa before travelling by rail to Djibouti for export.
Black Honey processing is a style of honey process coffee, where the fruit skin is removed but varying amounts of sticky mucilage remain on the bean during drying. In Black Honey coffees are dried more slowly under heavier shade, darkening the mucilage and creating deeper sweetness and fruit intensity. These carefully controlled drying methods are known for producing coffees with syrupy body, pronounced sweetness, and complex fruit-forward flavours that sit between washed and natural process profiles.
Ephtah Specialty Coffee was founded with a vision of creating transparent, collaborative coffee supply chains that benefit producers, exporters, roasters, and communities alike. Combining deep local knowledge with an international perspective, Ephtah has grown into one of the largest washing and drying operations in the Gedeb region, while remaining focused on sustainability and long-term impact. Even amid economic challenges in Ethiopia, the company continues investing in infrastructure, farmer support, and environmental initiatives such as additional drying beds, improved water systems, and intercropping projects aimed at strengthening local food security. Every lot of Gotiti coffee is a reflection of this commitment — honouring Ethiopia’s coffee traditions while building opportunities for future generations.
