Shantawene achieved the remarkable feat of securing 7th place, outperforming over 1,400 entries in the 2020 Cup of Excellence in Ethiopia!
Founded in 2006 by brothers Asefa and Mulugeta Dukamo, Daye Bensa is a prominent coffee grower and exporter in Ethiopia. The company operates both its farm, located in the Shantawene Village, and collaborates with "out-growers" or smallholders from three villages: Shantawene, Karamo, and Bombe.
The name "Ethiopia Shantawene" pays homage to the village where the majority of the farm's workforce, notably many women, hails from.
In December 2019, a significant visit took place as InterAmerican CEO Florian Benkhofer, along with traders Ed Kaufmann and Dana Andrews, toured Ethiopia, specifically visiting Daye Bensa. For more details on their trip, you can refer to Ed's trip report.
Daye Bensa's elevation spans from 1,900 to 2,217 meters, with cherries delivered from out-growers' farms situated at higher altitudes between 2,000 and 2,400 meters.
Operating 15 washing stations across three districts, Daye Bensa manages the entire coffee exportation process. The company's two farms in Kaffa and Sidamo are certified for Organic, UTZ, Rainforest Alliance, and C.A.F.E. practices.
An annual highlight for Daye Bensa is the Out-Growers Day, where nearly 1,000 farmers gather to celebrate their harvests and receive second payments for their coffee cherry contributions. The company recognizes the top three farmers from each of the three villages with certificates and cash prizes, acknowledging their consistent delivery of high-quality cherries.
Looking ahead, Daye Bensa aims to expand its collaboration with more farmers, with a specific focus on encouraging women in coffee farming. Additionally, the company plans to partner with Hawassa University to support research initiatives aimed at enhancing coffee quality.
