Our Story
A year before Kochore Coffee Trading PLC was founded, one of its founders, Dagnachew Seifu, visited a café in Addis Ababa and tasted a cup of coffee that completely changed how he understood coffee. As someone who regularly drank several cups a day—whether in cafés or from traditional Jebena buna vendors—he was struck by a flavor so unique that he couldn’t quite describe it. That first sip awakened a curiosity in him to discover what made certain coffees taste so distinct. Driven by this curiosity, he reached out to a longtime friend who was already involved in the coffee business. Through their conversations, Dagnachew learned about the different sources, processing methods, and regional variations that influence the flavor of coffee. The two eventually cupped a sample from the same café that had initially impressed him, and confirmed that the coffee had all the hallmarks of Yirgacheffe—a renowned coffee-growing region in Ethiopia. Determined to share this exceptional taste with others in Ethiopia and around the world, Dagnachew began studying the origins of Yirgacheffe coffee more closely. He traveled through the six districts of the mountainous Gedeo Zone in southern Ethiopia, and ultimately decided to source coffee from one of its most celebrated areas: Kochore. Dagnachew then shared his vision with his close friend, Dr. Habtewold Kassaye, a physician by profession. Dr. Habtewold, through his wide network of local and international contacts, had often heard complaints from foreign visitors living in Ethiopia about the inconsistent quality of coffee—even in top cafés and luxury hotels. As an Ethiopian and a coffee lover himself, he was disheartened to hear that the birthplace of coffee was not meeting global expectations for quality. Motivated by their shared passion and complementary skills, the two friends established Kochore Coffee Trading PLC in July 2025. Their initial goal is to supply freshly roasted Yirgacheffe coffee to the Ethiopian market. In the long run, they aim to export both roasted and green Yirgacheffe coffee to international markets, sharing the true taste of Ethiopia with coffee lovers around the world.They believe Ethiopia’s diverse coffee-growing regions hold immense potential to meet the highest quality standards, and among them, Yirgacheffe—especially the Kochore district— stands out as a leader in delivering distinctive, world-class coffee
His journey led him to Yirgacheffe’s mountainous Gedeo Zone, where he discovered Kochore – a district renowned for its distinctive coffee. Together with his longtime friend Dr. Habtewold Kassaye, they founded Kochore Coffee Trading PLC in July 2024.
Their mission: to deliver the authentic taste of Ethiopia, starting with freshly roasted Yirgacheffe coffee for the local market, and soon, sharing it globally.
Why Kochore?
Grown at altitudes above 1,800 meters in Ethiopia’s lush Gedeo Zone, Kochore Yirgacheffe coffee is celebrated worldwide for its floral notes, citrus brightness, and silky finish.
Every bean carries the heritage of Ethiopian farmers who cultivate with care, passing traditions from generation to generation.
Meet the Founders
Dagnachew Seifu
Co-Founder | Coffee Enthusiast
Inspired by a life changing cup of Yirgacheffe coffee, Dagnachew set out to share Ethiopia’s authentic flavors with the world.
Dr. Habtewold Kassaye
Co-Founder | Physician & Visionary
With his global connections and passion for excellence, Dr. Habtewold champions Ethiopia’s place as the home of the world’s best coffee.
