"Coffee plays a hugely important role in the economy and culture of Ethiopia. Although all trade passes through a centralised exchange, production is dominated by smallholders, often community-based co-operatives, there are an estimated 1.1 million coffee farmers in the country. All cooperatives in Ethiopia belong to a Union that is the seller and exporter of the coffee. They also handle dry milling and grading before export; the Ngele Gurbitu Cooperative is under the Oromia Union.

The varieties are referred to collectively as Ethiopian Heirloom, which is a myriad of local native Typica hybrids and new improved varietals. Yirgacheffe is known for its clean, floral, washed coffees with intense fruit and berry flavours."