Refisa
- First time cooperation: 2024
- Cooperation model: Indirect Trade
OVERVIEW
In the heart of Nensebo, Refisa washing station is the destination for 593 farmers from Refisa, Roricho, Bulga, and Riripa villages. Under Tariku Kare’s management, the station represents more than just a coffee procurement unit; it’s a symbol of sustainable development in this coffee industry. Notably, it’s a convergence point for local and wild coffee varieties, preserved and cultivated at altitudes up to 2200m, creating unique flavor profiles for the region’s coffee.
INSPIRING ENTREPRENEURIAL JOURNEY
Tariku Kare’s story exemplifies success born from perseverance and opportunity recognition. Born in Bombe, he began his career sorting cherries at age 15 in a local cooperative. With a progressive spirit, he advanced through various positions in the coffee industry. From washing coffee in channels, he was promoted to managing a washing station in Nansebo.
When facing crisis – the station’s bankruptcy due to market fluctuations – Tariku demonstrated exceptional leadership by establishing a new company with 17 colleagues and opening a new washing station. Not stopping there, he expanded operations with a station in Arsi to serve the international market, and finally returned to his hometown Bombe to build another station. His unique business philosophy of consistently paying above-market prices for ripe cherries creates motivation and trust for farmers to maintain long-term relationships with his stations.
NEW COFFEE FRONTIER
Located 400km south of Addis Ababa in Oromia region, Nensebo is a new discovery on East African coffee map, classified as Sidama D by ECX. With 5,000 hectares of coffee cultivated at exceptional altitudes, this land is home to smallholder farmers averaging 2 hectares each. Nensebo’s uniqueness lies not only in its cultivation altitude but also in its diverse coffee varieties, including rare wild types from neighboring forests, creating distinctive flavors in the region’s coffee.
VISION AND DEVELOPMENT DIRECTION
With aspirations to become an outstanding company in East Africa’s coffee industry, Refisa has built a comprehensive and sustainable development strategy. They commit to delivering products that meet strict domestic and international standards while fulfilling responsibilities to customers, employees, and the farming community. Transparency and traceability are prioritized to build long-term customer trust and share coffee’s true value with consumers.
Refisa continuously innovates production processes, explores new markets, and invests in research and development. Particularly, they focus on optimizing farmer income through knowledge sharing, experience, and building sustainable relationships with the community. Through these efforts, Refisa is gradually realizing its mission of contributing to local environmental, economic, and social development.
WHY WE CHOOSE REFISA
The partnership with Refisa represents more than a conventional business relationship; it’s an alignment of vision and developmental values. Tariku Kare’s inspiring entrepreneurial journey, from sorting staff to washing station chain owner, demonstrates the sustainable business philosophy that XLIII Coffee always pursues. Fair pricing policies and strong commitment to 593 farmers from four villages show genuine community responsibility.
Notably, Nensebo’s unique geographical location at 2200m altitude, combined with its diversity of local and wild coffee varieties, provides XLIII Coffee access to exceptional coffee flavors. Refisa’s comprehensive development vision, from product quality to social and environmental responsibility, perfectly aligns with our mission of building a sustainable and responsible coffee community.
