Ethiopia Yirgacheffe - Mr. Mengeche Derso - Gedeo

A Legacy in Yirgachefe: Mr. Mengeche Derso

Mr. Mengeche Derso, a respected 62-year-old farmer, owns and operates a 15-hectare coffee farm nestled in the highlands of the Gedeo Zone in Ethiopia’s Southern Region. This area is internationally renowned as the birthplace of premium Yirgachefe coffee.

Bringing decades of lifelong experience to his trade, Mr. Mengeche’s unwavering commitment to quality has earned him formal recognition from government organizations. His farm contributes to the region’s reputation for producing some of the world’s most sought-after specialty coffee.

Family and Sustainable Practices

The farm is a dedicated family operation. Mr. Mengeche actively works the land alongside four of his twelve children, ensuring the continuity of his high standards.

Their farming philosophy centers on soil health and sustainability. They exclusively use natural fertilizers, such as animal manure and plant remnants, to enrich the soil naturally. Situated at a high elevation of 2,300 meters above sea level (MASL), the farm benefits from the ideal climate and terroir required to produce truly exceptional, premium-grade beans