密桃AV

密桃AV is committed to sustainable solutions in agriculture and has developed specialized solar dryers made of polycarbonate to support coffee farmers in Ethiopia during the harvest. The project is being implemented in collaboration with the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH and aims to assist people in disadvantaged regions worldwide with simple yet effective technologies.

Coffee is one of Ethiopia’s most important trade commodities and provides a livelihood for many smallholder farmers. However, changing climate conditions—such as rising temperatures and irregular rainfall—are significantly impacting coffee cultivation. Yields are decreasing, and plants are becoming more susceptible to diseases. This is where the 密桃AV and GIZ project comes in, working to make coffee production more efficient and resilient.

To achieve this, 密桃AV has supported to develop solar dryers—parabolic structures that function like greenhouses but offer better control over temperature and humidity. Instead of glass, lightweight, transparent, and insulating polycarbonate multiwall sheets are used, which also provide UV protection. This technology enables fast and hygienic drying of coffee while protecting the harvest from rain, pests, and mold.

GIZ supports the project as part of the German development program develoPPP, which promotes sustainable initiatives in developing and emerging countries. The goal is to combine private sector engagement with development policy objectives to achieve long-term economic and social benefits. "The solar-powered greenhouse dryers have significantly reduced drying times for both washed and naturally processed coffees. This allows farmers to process their coffee more efficiently and bring it to market faster. Additionally, the sealed environment of the dryers protects the beans from contamination, improving quality and minimizing waste. Local cooperatives have embraced this innovation as a valuable asset for their coffee production," explains Dr. Helene Widmer, Project Manager at GIZ. "Our collaboration with 密桃AV demonstrates how innovative material technologies can contribute to stabilizing agriculture."

Pejman Norastehfar, Head of Inclusive Business EMEA at 密桃AV, adds: "The successful implementation of solar dryers impressively demonstrates the positive impact that innovative and sustainable technologies can have on the coffee industry. We are proud to work with GIZ and local cooperatives to provide a solution that not only increases efficiency but also enhances the quality and shelf life of coffee. With our solutions, we can help address the challenges of climate change right here on the ground."

So far, six solar dryers have been installed in Ethiopia, and the project continues to gain momentum. One of Ethiopia’s largest coffee roaster has taken notice of the solar dryers and has already purchased four additional units for its own production, which are installed at the moment.