Starbucks Discusses Expansion Of Ethiopian Coffee In Global Markets – CoffeeTalk

The Ethiopian government is actively enhancing its partnership with Starbucks to promote Ethiopian coffee on global platforms. Minister of Agriculture Addisu Arega and Starbucks Vice President Roberto Vega Alonso discussed strategies to improve the supply and market presence of Ethiopian coffee products worldwide. Central to their discussions was the commitment to ensure a consistent supply of specialty coffee, thereby increasing its incorporation in Starbucks offerings globally.

Minister Arega emphasized the goal of creating a shared understanding that elevates the role of Ethiopian coffee in Starbucks’ recipes, reinforcing the company’s dedication to supporting Ethiopian smallholder farmers through improved production techniques. As the largest specialty coffee buyer globally, Starbucks has significantly ramped up its sourcing from Ethiopia, reporting a remarkable 400 percent increase in coffee purchases since initiating partnerships with local stakeholders.

Starbucks engages in sourcing coffee from various producers, including large-scale farms operated by MIDROC Investment Group, and highlights single-origin Ethiopian coffees in its international stores to emphasize the nation’s rich coffee heritage and unique brewing culture.

Furthermore, Kraig Kraft, Director of World Coffee Research for Asia and Africa, remarked on Ethiopia’s unparalleled significance in the coffee sector due to its diverse and high-quality coffee varieties, which are sought after globally. He recognized the urgency for innovation to improve farmers’ access to international markets, noting the bright future ahead for Ethiopian coffee cultivation.

Ethiopia’s coffee diplomacy is also expanding beyond its usual boundaries; MUNDO Coffee, a premium coffee brand from the Netherlands, has shown keen interest in collaborating with Ethiopian exporters. Discussions between Ethiopia’s Ambassador to Algeria, Muktar Mohamed, and MUNDO Coffee officials highlighted the logistical and quality advantages of sourcing coffee directly from Ethiopia, as opposed to relying on European intermediaries. The Ambassador underscored the benefits of direct trade for enhancing intra-African trade and supporting broader continental development.

Notably, the Ethiopian Coffee and Tea Authority has celebrated significant achievements in coffee exports over the preceding nine months, identifying Saudi Arabia, Germany, the United States, Belgium, China, South Korea, the UAE, Japan, Italy, and Jordan as the top ten export destinations for Ethiopian coffee.

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