To further boost Ethiopian coffee’s worldwide appeal, the Ethiopian Speciality Coffee Association was founded today. Its goals are to promote Ethiopian coffee abroad, guarantee that its quality standards are fulfilled, and provide opportunities for coffee producers, exporters, and other stakeholders directly or indirectly involved with coffee. The Ethiopian Coffee and Tea Authority’s Director-General, Adugna Debela, noted that the creation of such an organisation is essential for the nation to produce coffee in terms of both quantity and quality and to increase revenue. He pointed out that in order to accomplish this, the association needs collaborate closely with stakeholders.
Arabica coffee, which has gained enormous popularity worldwide, originated in Ethiopia. Additionally, it has a biodiversity that is perfect for growing coffee and a large variety of coffee varietals. However, it is still not fully benefiting from coffee. The Ethiopian Speciality Coffee Association was established to protect Ethiopia’s coffee resources, advance quality excellence, and secure recognition for the country’s contribution to special-flavor coffee. Mr. Ashenafi Argaw, president of the association, stated, “Our goal is very broad and clear.”
The program will raise Ethiopia’s profile and create new opportunities for producers through professional evaluation, international marketing, and direct market access. Additionally, the association will work to strengthen the skills of the coffee community and protect biodiversity by empowering producers through training, education, sustainability efforts, research, and quality-focused development projects. Mr. Feysel Abdosh, a member of the Ethiopian Speciality Coffee Association, stated, “Our mission is to redefine, protect, promote, and reward Ethiopia’s unique coffee.”
The Ethiopian Speciality Coffee Association will serve as a centre for professional development, research, information sharing, and market opportunity extension. It is founded on collaboration, innovation, and worldwide engagement. The president continued by saying that the association will work to professionally promote speciality coffee worldwide and provide new opportunities for growers by enhancing Ethiopian coffee’s reputation through direct market connections. A new era of quality and international collaboration for Ethiopian coffee is marked by the creation of the Ethiopian Speciality Coffee Association, which combines farmers, exporters, cooperative unions, researchers, coffee professionals (cuppers), and government partners.
National Auction Program: “Best of Ethiopia” The association has launched the “Best of Ethiopia” national auction program. Finding and displaying the top coffees from various locations of Ethiopia is the purpose of this endeavour. “The association is committed to strengthening Ethiopia’s participation in the global speciality coffee market through compelling storytelling and international outreach,” said Kenean Assefa, a board member.
The world is eager to hear Ethiopia’s narrative. All we have to do is tell that tale with courage and consistency.” “The association will organise coffee auctions,” said Mr. Tamiru Tadesse, a board member and 2021 Cup of Excellence recipient. These auctions serve as important global venues for showcasing Ethiopia’s finest, rarest, and most distinctive coffees to buyers abroad. This is supposed to guarantee openness, recognise quality, and raise the amount given back to producers.