It is widely believed that the Oromo people started using coffee as early as the 10th century AD, although not as a drink but mixed with edible fat to create small balls that people chewed on to ward off tiredness. It was an ideal snack to carry on long and tiring journeys.

According to the Ethiopian Commodity Exchange (ECX), the Sidamo region is divided into five geographical areas: namely Sidamo A, B, C, D & E. These areas are neither divided based on the quality of coffee nor politically defined borders, rather they define a mere geographical indication. This broad definition for Sidamo coffees has made the region the largest coffee producer in Ethiopia.

The Guji Zone lies approximately 400 km south of Addis Ababa in the Guji Zone of the Oromia Region. Prior to 2002, Guji coffee was bundled together with Yirgacheffe and Sidamo coffee under the umbrella “Sidamo” name. However, after 2002, Guji coffee (as well as Yirgacheffe coffee) is now recognized by its own name.