Ethiopian Coffee Origin
Guji Coffee Beans
Ethiopia's rising specialty star - tropical fruit complexity, vibrant acidity, and award-winning cup scores. Guji consistently produces some of the highest-scoring coffees in the world.
Region
Guji Zone, Oromia
Altitude
1,800 – 2,300 masl
Cup Score
SCA 85 – 89+
Processing
Washed · Natural · Honey
What Is Guji Coffee?
Guji is one of Ethiopia's most exciting coffee-producing zones, located in the southern part of the Oromia region. Once grouped under the broader "Sidamo" classification, Guji earned its own distinct trade designation in 2010, a recognition of its uniquely complex and high-scoring cup profiles. For a detailed side-by-side analysis, read our Yirgacheffe vs Sidamo vs Guji comparison.
Growing at altitudes between 1,800 and 2,300 meters, Guji produces exceptionally dense, flavorful beans. The zone's combination of rich volcanic soil, high elevation, and traditional shade-grown cultivation under indigenous forest canopy creates ideal conditions for specialty coffee. Many Guji washing stations produce lots scoring 87 – 89+ on the SCA scale, placing them among the world's elite.
Guji coffees are distinguished by their intense tropical fruit and stone fruit notes, vibrant but balanced acidity, and remarkable sweetness. Natural-processed Guji lots from Hambela and Shakiso have gained cult-like status among specialty roasters for their complexity and exotic flavor profiles. Many Guji producers competed in theAFCA Taste of Harvest competition, earning top honors.
Guji Flavor Profile
Washed Guji
Pristine clarity with vibrant fruitiness.
- Aroma: Peach blossom, jasmine, bergamot
- Flavor: Peach, apricot, lemon, honey
- Acidity: Bright, sparkling, citric
- Body: Medium, silky, juicy
- Finish: Long, sweet, floral
- SCA Score: 85 – 88+
Natural Guji
Exotic fruit explosions with wild complexity.
- Aroma: Mango, papaya, strawberry wine
- Flavor: Tropical fruit, blueberry, watermelon candy
- Acidity: Moderate, wine-like, juicy
- Body: Full, creamy, syrupy
- Finish: Lingering tropical, honey sweetness
- SCA Score: 86 – 89+
Honey Guji
Best of both worlds - fruit and clarity.
- Aroma: Stone fruit, brown sugar, floral
- Flavor: Peach, plum, caramel, chocolate
- Acidity: Balanced, malic, round
- Body: Medium-full, velvety
- Finish: Smooth, sweet, lasting
- SCA Score: 85 – 88+
Guji Coffee Sub-Regions
The Guji zone stretches across multiple high-altitude districts, each with its own microclimate, soil composition, and processing traditions.
Hambela (Hambella)
1,900–2,300m
The crown jewel of Guji. Intense tropical fruit, jasmine, and strawberry. Home to competition-winning lots scoring 89+.
Shakiso
1,800–2,200m
Complex, balanced coffees with stone fruit and citrus brightness. Known for exceptional micro-lots from family holdings.
Uraga
1,900–2,200m
Floral-forward with tea-like delicacy and bright lemon acidity. Uraga washed lots rival top Yirgacheffe coffees.
Kercha
1,800–2,100m
Rich, full-bodied coffees with dark fruit and chocolate notes. Strong natural processing tradition.
Bule Hora
1,700–2,000m
Balanced, smooth coffees with stone fruit sweetness and a clean finish. Excellent value for specialty-grade lots.
Adola Rede
1,800–2,100m
Emerging area producing complex naturals with berry and wine characteristics. Growing recognition among specialty buyers.
Guji Export Specifications
Grades are based on defect count and SCA cupping scores. See our Ethiopian coffee grading guide for details.
| Specification | Grade 1 | Grade 2 |
|---|---|---|
| SCA Cup Score | 87 – 89+ | 85 – 87 |
| Defect Count (per 300g) | 0 – 3 defects | 4 – 12 defects |
| Screen Size | 15 – 18 | 14 – 17 |
| Moisture Content | 10 – 12% | 10 – 12% |
| Processing | Washed, Natural & Honey | Washed, Natural & Honey |
| Packaging | 60kg GrainPro-lined jute | 60kg GrainPro-lined jute |
| Incoterms | FOB Djibouti / CIF | FOB Djibouti / CIF |
| Harvest Season | October – January | October – January |
Why Source Guji from Ethio Coffee?
Access to Elite Micro-Lots
We source from Hambela, Shakiso, and Uraga - Ethiopia's most celebrated Guji districts. Our relationships with top-tier washing stations give us access to competition-quality lots.
Q-Grader Cupped & Verified
Every Guji lot is cupped to SCA protocol. We provide full cupping reports with scoring, defect analysis, and flavor descriptors. Our 85+ minimum standard ensures consistent quality.
Three Processing Methods
Access washed, natural, and honey-processed Guji beans. We can help you find the exact profile for your market - from clean and bright to exotic and fruit-forward.
Pre-Shipment Samples
Request green and roasted samples of any available Guji lot before committing. We ship samples worldwide by DHL within 48 hours of request.
Frequently Asked Questions About Guji Coffee
What does Guji coffee taste like?
Guji is known for complex tropical fruit and stone fruit notes (peach, mango, papaya, apricot), vibrant citric acidity, jasmine-like florals, and a silky-to-full body. Naturals bring intense berries and wine-like sweetness, while washed Guji is cleaner and more floral.
What is the difference between Guji and Sidamo?
Guji was separated from the Sidamo classification in 2010. While geographically adjacent, Guji coffees grow at higher altitudes (up to 2,300m) and produce more complex, tropical-fruited profiles. Guji tends to score higher on average and commands higher premiums.
What grades are available?
We export Grade 1 (SCA 87-89+, minimal defects) and Grade 2 (SCA 85-87+) in washed, natural, and honey processing. Grade 1 naturals from Hambela are particularly prized for competition entries.
How much does Guji cost FOB?
Grade 2 washed: $3.80–$5.50/lb FOB Djibouti. Grade 1 naturals: $5.00–$8.00/lb FOB. Top Hambela micro-lots can reach even higher. Contact us for current season pricing and availability.
What is the minimum order?
Standard minimum is one FCL (≈19.2 MT, 320 × 60kg bags). You can mix Guji with other Ethiopian origins in the same container. LCL options may be available for micro-lot purchases.
Ready to Source Guji Coffee?
Request pre-shipment samples, get current season pricing, or discuss your Guji requirements with our export team.