Netsanet Sori, a 35-year-old migrant from Ethiopia, has brought a taste of her homeland to the Shetland Islands. Sori, who moved to the UK four years ago, has established a traditional Ethiopian coffee farm in the rural town of Brae, located 4,000 miles from her native Ethiopia. The coffee farm, which began operation last year, is providing a unique opportunity for the local community to experience the rich flavours and aromas of Ethiopian coffee.
Sori's decision to establish the coffee farm was driven by her desire to share her cultural heritage with her new community. 'I wanted to bring a piece of Ethiopia to the Shetland Islands,' she explained. 'Coffee is an integral part of our culture, and I wanted to share that with the people here.'
The coffee farm, which employs local staff, is growing a variety of Ethiopian coffee beans, including the popular Yirgacheffe and Sidama strains. Sori, who has undergone extensive training in coffee production, is working closely with local farmers to develop a unique and sustainable approach to coffee farming in the Shetland Islands.
The initiative is not only providing a unique product for local consumers but also creating jobs and stimulating economic growth in the area. Sori's coffee has already gained a loyal following among local coffee enthusiasts, who appreciate the rich flavours and distinct aromas of the Ethiopian coffee.
As the coffee farm continues to grow and develop, Sori hopes to establish a community hub that showcases the rich cultural heritage of Ethiopia. 'I want to share not just the coffee, but the culture and traditions of Ethiopia with the people of the Shetland Islands,' she said.