About Alula Kassa

Alula Kassa is the Founder and CEO of Buna Utopia, a Detroit-based direct-trade coffee company dedicated to connecting Ethiopian coffee farms with coffee lovers, roasters, and cafés across North America.

Born and raised in Ethiopia, Alula developed a deep appreciation for coffee long before entering the industry. After moving to the United States at the age of 15, he pursued a degree in Electrical Engineering and later earned an MBA from the University of Michigan. He continues to work full-time as an electrical engineer, a field he's genuinely passionate about, while building Buna Utopia out of a lifelong passion for Ethiopian coffee and culture.

Driven by a belief that great coffee should be both traceable and authentic, Alula founded Buna Utopia to create a more transparent and efficient path from farm to cup. Rather than purchasing coffee through multiple intermediaries, Buna Utopia sources and imports directly from Ethiopia, allowing the company to maintain close relationships with producers while ensuring quality, consistency, and value for customers.

Buna Utopia specializes in premium Grade 1 Ethiopian coffees, including Yirgacheffe, Sidama, and Guji. The company serves both retail and wholesale customers throughout the United States and Canada, providing coffees known for their distinctive origin character and exceptional quality.

At its core, Buna Utopia is built on a simple principle: coffee should tell the story of the people and places that produce it. Through direct trade, ethical sourcing, and a relentless focus on quality, Alula Kassa is helping bring the true taste of Ethiopian coffee to customers across North America.

Read why Buna Utopia exists or get in touch about wholesale.