Bona Zuria
- First time cooperation: 2024
- Cooperation model: Indirect Trade
OVERVIEW
Located in the namesake village in the Sidama region, Bona Zuria Washing Station stands at 2,190m above sea level. Under the management of Mr. Ayele Tulu and his family members, this station brings together coffee production from 300 smallholder farmers in the area, creating high-quality specialty coffee lots through diverse processing methods.
GEOGRAPHY AND ENVIRONMENT
Situated at altitudes ranging from 2,000 to 2,330 meters, Bona Zuria occupies a unique geographical position, bordering several important regions including Oromia to the south, Hula to the west, Bursa to the northwest, Arbegona to the north, and Bensa to the east. Notably, recent climate changes have created favorable conditions for coffee cultivation at these elevations – something previously considered impossible.
JOURNEY TO COFFEE
Bona Zuria’s story is intertwined with Mr. Ayele Tulu’s admirable journey. After 45 years of service in government agencies in Awassa, he decided to establish the washing station in his homeland as a legacy for future generations. Together with his son Tsegab and brother Yohanis, he has developed Bona Zuria into a reliable source of high-quality coffee in the region.
PROCESS AND QUALITY
At Bona Zuria, coffee is cultivated on farms ranging from 3 to 8 hectares, using CBD-resistant varieties recognized by JARC since the 1970s. The harvesting and transportation process maintains traditional methods with hand-picking and transportation by horse or donkey. Notably, the drying process takes place on covered African raised beds, extending 4-6 weeks to achieve the ideal moisture content of 10-11.9%.
CULTIVATION AND PROCESSING
The washing station implements diverse processing methods, including: Traditional natural processing, Anaerobic natural processing and Washed processing. After drying, the coffee is transferred to the coffee store in their area for quality control before being transported to Addis Ababa for export.
VISION AND DEVELOPMENT
Bona Zuria is more than just a washing station; it represents a harmonious blend of tradition and sustainable development. With its experienced farmers, diverse processing methods, and commitment to quality, Bona Zuria plays a crucial role in enhancing the value of the East Africa’s coffee in the international market. Under the leadership of Mr. Ayele Tulu’s family, the station promises to continue developing and maintaining its position as one of Sidamo’s reliable high-quality coffee producers.
WHY WE CHOOSE BONA ZURIA
The partnership between XLIII Coffee and Bona Zuria extends beyond a mere commercial relationship; it represents an alignment of core values. Mr. Ayele Tulu’s legacy – from a former government official to a coffee industry pioneer – demonstrates long-term vision and commitment to community development, aligning perfectly with our sustainable development direction.
With clear traceability from 300 local farming families and transparent cultivation and processing procedures, Bona Zuria fully meets XLIII Coffee’s stringent partner selection criteria. Their focus on JARC-certified CBD-resistant varieties not only ensures product quality but also demonstrates environmental responsibility and commitment to the industry’s sustainable development.
Notably, the washing station’s family-operated model, with second-generation involvement, reflects a long-term vision and ethical commitment to business – values that XLIII Coffee consistently upholds and seeks in its partners. This collaboration not only delivers high-quality coffee but also contributes to our mission of creating a larger and more sustainable coffee community.
