Origin

Guji, Oromia, Ethiopia

In the Uraga woreda of the Guji Zone, Oromia, coffee cultivation is deeply intertwined with the local Oromo communities and the forested highlands where Arabica coffee naturally thrives. For generations, families have cultivated coffee in small garden plots under shade, often integrated with food crops and native trees. This system reflects both cultural traditions and practical resilience in the mountainous environment.

Historically, the identity of Guji, including Uraga, was often obscured in trade as coffees from this southern Ethiopian region were commonly grouped into broader categories like Sidamo or linked with neighbouring Yirgacheffe. However, as the demand for specialty coffee grew and traceability became more crucial, buyers began to distinguish Guji lots more deliberately, recognising their consistent highland profile.

A significant milestone occurred in 2002 when Guji was established as its own zone, leading to its recognition as a distinct coffee-producing region. This distinction accelerated the region’s visibility and encouraged investment in local washing stations, quality control, and cooperative structures. These developments have enabled regions like Uraga to deliver clean, high-scoring washed coffees, enhancing their reputation in the specialty coffee market.