Trademark

ARDI

Keffa Coffee's trademarked natural process Ethiopian coffee from Guji. Named for Ardipithecus ramidus, the oldest hominid fossil discovered in Ethiopia. Fruit-forward, consistent, and available since 2009.

Definition

What ARDI means

ARDI is a registered trademark of Keffa Coffee, identifying a specific natural process Ethiopian coffee sourced from the Guji zone. The name comes from Ardipithecus ramidus ("Ardi"), a 4.4-million-year-old fossil skeleton discovered in Ethiopia's Afar region in 1994.

We chose the name because ARDI represents something foundational: what natural process coffee can be when done right. It's a reference point. A standard. The consistency roasters can rely on year after year.

ARDI at a glance

Type Trademark
Established 2009
Process Natural
Cup Profile Strawberry, peach, blueberry

Why Roasters Care

The problem ARDI solves

Natural process volatility

Most naturals vary year to year. Drying conditions change. Fermentation is hard to control. ARDI proves that with discipline, naturals can be consistent.

Roast profile stability

Roasters who buy ARDI year after year use the same roast profile. No surprises. No batch-to-batch adjustments. That's operational efficiency.

Menu reliability

When you put ARDI on your menu, customers know what to expect. The fruit-forward, clean natural character shows up every time.

Our Approach

How we maintain ARDI consistency

Same producer network

20+ year relationships with the same washing stations in Guji. They know the ARDI standard. We don't switch sources chasing price.

Cupped at origin

Sam cups every potential ARDI lot at origin before we commit. If it's not the ARDI cup, we leave it.

Strict spec requirements

Moisture 10-12%. Water activity 0.50-0.55. These aren't suggestions. Lots that don't meet spec don't become ARDI.

Climate-controlled storage

Naturals need consistent temperature and humidity. The ARDI you buy in October cups like the ARDI from June.

Deep Dive

ARDI Consistency: A 16-Year Case Study

What makes our flagship ARDI natural so consistent year after year—blending strategy, QC workflow, and the data behind 16 harvests.

Ready to try ARDI?

Request samples and experience the consistency that's made ARDI a roaster favorite for 16 years.