Sheka Forest

Sheka Forest is a coffee-growing region located in southwestern Ethiopia, within the Sheka Zone of the Oromia Regional State, near the border with the Bench Maji and Keffa zones. The area is part of Ethiopia’s tropical rainforest belt, characterized by dense forests, rolling hills, fertile volcanic soils, and abundant rainfall, which create optimal conditions for shade-grown Arabica coffee. Elevations in Sheka typically range from 1,400 to 2,100 meters above sea level, providing cool temperatures and misty mornings that allow coffee cherries to mature slowly, developing high density and complex flavors.

Coffee production in Sheka Forest is predominantly carried out by smallholder farmers, who cultivate heirloom Ethiopian Arabica varieties under natural forest canopies. The farming system is largely traditional and organic by default, as the dense forests and biodiversity reduce the need for chemical inputs. Coffee is harvested by hand when cherries are ripe, and both washed (wet-processed) and natural (dry-processed) methods are used depending on the location and access to washing stations. Processing is carefully managed to preserve the beans’ unique flavors and aromatic qualities.

Sheka coffees are celebrated for their complex, vibrant, and aromatic cup profiles, often showing floral, citrus, and tropical fruit notes, accompanied by medium to full body and bright but balanced acidity. Natural-processed coffees from Sheka may exhibit winey, berry-like flavors and pronounced sweetness, while washed coffees emphasize clarity, elegance, and floral aromatics. The clean, lingering finish and nuanced flavor profiles make Sheka coffee highly valued in the specialty coffee market, both as single-origin offerings and as part of premium blends.

Beyond coffee, Sheka Forest plays an important ecological and cultural role. The region’s forests contribute to biodiversity conservation, soil fertility, and water regulation, while coffee farming sustains local communities economically and culturally, maintaining centuries-old traditions. Sheka Forest coffee exemplifies Ethiopia’s heritage as the birthplace of Arabica coffee, combining unique terroir, traditional farming practices, and exceptional quality to create some of the most distinctive and sought-after coffees in the world.