Lala Salama, Ethiopia | Sparkling Water Decaf

Lala Salama means 'Sleep Well' in Swahili. There couldn't be a more fitting name to bestow upon our new regular feature of Sparkling Water Decaffeinated coffee from the African continent.

Alemu Adama wet and dry mill station is located in the Sidama Region, specifically within the Bensa Woreda of the Abay Teka district. The station supplies high-quality washed coffee to customers and employs 5 permanent staff members and 120 temporary workers, thereby contributing to the local economy. Quality and sustainability are key principles at this facility.
Approximately 700,000 kilograms of red cherries are processed annually. The coffee varieties 74158, 74165, and 74110 originate from the Jimma Research Center, along with heirloom varieties. The station implements two processing methods: washed and natural. For wet processing, ripe cherries are separated from unripe cherries using a disc pulpier, and biological fermentation removes the mucilage. Fermentation lasts 36 to 48 hours, followed by soaking and drying on raised beds for 6 to 7 days until the beans reach a moisture content of 10-12%. For natural processing, full ripe cherries are dried on raised beds for 12 to 15 days until the beans achieve a similar moisture content range.

Spring water is used for coffee washing, and a wastewater management system with a standard lagoon is set up more than 50 meters from any rivers. Quality control measures ensure the delivery of fully ripe red cherries and uphold standards at each processing stage. Approximately 350 farmers supply coffee to the station.

Traceability is maintained by recording each batch as it progresses through production and distribution, using red cherry receiving vouchers from farmers, store receiving vouchers after drying, and store issue vouchers. The station prioritizes sustainability in environmental and social welfare by training farmers and staff on deforestation, water protection, waste management, and labor policies. Support is also provided to low-income households through health insurance and contributions toward road construction and the enhancement of spring water resources.