The Revival of Aricha: A Journey of Transformation and Excellence

This is the story of Aricha's remarkable revival, a journey driven by the vision and dedication of Faysel Abdosh and Testi Coffee, transforming a neglected site into a beacon of excellence.

A Legacy of Potential

The Aricha washing station is situated just a few kilometers from the town of Yirgacheffe, surrounded by coffee-growing communities including Aricha, Reko, Gersi, Naga Singage, and Idido. Despite its prime location and the ideal coffee-growing conditions of the area, the station was left to decay, never reaching its full potential. Enter Faysel Abdosh, a man with a deep-rooted passion for coffee and a clear vision for its future.

The Vision of Faysel Abdosh

Faysel comes from a family of coffee growers in Ethiopia's Harar region. His early career involved sourcing quality coffee and bringing it to buyers, which gave him a profound understanding of the industry's intricacies. Recognizing the potential of the Aricha washing station and the surrounding communities, he didn't hesitate when the opportunity arose to take over the site. In 2018, Testi Coffee took the reins of the Aricha washing station, marking the beginning of a new chapter.

The first year was fraught with challenges. The station required extensive repairs and upgrades to reach operational standards. Faysel and his team invested time, resources, and unwavering effort into reviving the station. Their hard work paid off, and within a year, Aricha was producing high-quality coffee that quickly gained recognition. In 2019, just one year after its revival, four Aricha coffees made it to the final selection of The Ethiopian Cup, a testament to the station's potential and the team's dedication.

Community and Sustainability

Central to the success of the Aricha washing station is its relationship with the local farming communities. The farmers, primarily from the Gedeo ethnic group, have cultivated coffee in the region for generations. They grow coffee on small family-owned plots, often less than two hectares in size, using traditional methods that preserve the area's biodiversity.

*Photo by: Deaton Pigot, 2013

Faysel is a strong advocate for working closely with these communities. Testi Coffee pays premiums to farmers who bring their cherries exclusively to the Aricha washing station. The station also shares its profits with the farming communities, providing an incentive to continuously improve the quality of their coffee. This approach not only ensures high standards but also fosters a sense of ownership and pride among the farmers.

One of Faysel's significant contributions to the Aricha community has been improving local infrastructure. By collaborating with the regional government, Testi Coffee has extended electricity lines to farmers' homes, significantly enhancing their quality of life and investing in building a school for the community's children, laying the foundation for a brighter future.

Looking Ahead

Never one to rest on their laurels, Faysel and the Testi team are constantly striving for improvement. They plan to install a five-ton Penagos machine, which is more eco-friendly, using less water and producing less waste. This addition is set to further enhance the quality of coffee produced at Aricha while minimizing the environmental impact.

A Journey of Flavor and Excellence

The revival of the Aricha washing station is a story of community. It's a testament to what can be achieved when passion and vision are combined with hard work and collaboration. The exceptional Reko coffee from the Aricha washing station is not just a product; it is a symbol of this journey.