Ethiopia

Coffee atlas: Ethiopia

Capital: Addis Ababa

Population: 102 million

Area: 1.1 million square km

Seen as the birthplace of domesticated coffee, there are not many more exciting times at the Sample warehouse as when our fresh Ethiopian lots arrive. Legend says it’s our favourite origin…

Ethiopia is one of the few coffee producing countries with it’s own, highly developed, coffee culture. This is linked to the fact that coffee has its origins in the areas within and surrounding Ethiopia. Up to 50% of coffee produced in Ethiopia is consumed within the country itself. The importance of coffee for Ethiopia is further highlighted by the fact it constitutes a half of the countries GDP and is responsible for up to a quarter of Ethiopia’s employment.

Due to the countries history and political structure, with restrictions on land ownership and hired labour, much of the harvesting of coffee in Ethiopia tends to be from the wild rather than on large-scale farms.

Up until 2017 all coffee for export and sale in Ethiopia had to run through a central commodities exchange, the ECX (Ethiopian Coffee Exchange), this was a utilitarian style system that had broad benefits for all producers though limited transparency and the ability of individual producers to produce exceptional quality and market it independently.

From March 2017, with new laws in place, it is now easier to operate outside of the ECX and deal more directly with cooperatives and producers.

From Cafe Imports; “In March 2017, the ECX voted to allow direct sales of coffee from individual washing stations, which will not only allow for increased traceability, but will also allow for repeat purchases and relationship building all along the chain—a change that increases the potential for higher prices to the farmers. It remains to be seen what the impact of greater traceability and more direct sales will have on specialty coffees from Ethiopia, but the industry appears optimistic.”

Coffee regions in Ethiopia:

Harrar

One of the oldest producing regions producing some of the most unique flavour profiles. A region that has produced coffees that really opened the eyes of many coffee roasters, us included, to the potential and true complexity that coffee can offer

Jimma

Region in the southwest that traditionally only produced commodity grade coffee. With increased exposure and education the truly great potential of this area is beginning to be realised. Can also be referred to as ‘Jimmah’, ‘Jimma’, and ‘Djimmah’

Kochere

Limu

Sidamo

Both ‘Sidamo’ and ‘Sidama’ can be used to describe coffees from this region, Sidama refers to the locals of the area. It grows some of the highest coffees in Ethiopia

Yirgacheffe

Unique for its floral and highly aromatic coffees. Some our of very favourite and memorable Ethiopian coffees have emerged from this legendary region.

Coffees from Ethiopia:

Ethiopia Gigesa

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Flavours of concord grape, apricot, and chamomile

Body     Acidity

Washed Ethiopian Heirloom

January 2017 harvest

Roasted omni for filter and espresso

Ethiopia Gigesa online
Photo for Gigesa

Ethiopia Gigesa

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Flavours of mandarin, bergamot and creamy apricot

Body     Acidity

Washed Ethiopian Heirloom

December 2022 harvest

Roasted omni for filter and espresso

Ethiopia Gigesa online

Ethiopia Beriti

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Flavours of peach, orange blossom, bergamot

Body     Acidity

Washed Ethiopian Heirloom

December 2015 harvest

Roasted omni for filter and espresso

Ethiopia Beriti online
Photo for Aricha

Ethiopia Aricha

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Flavours of jasmine, candied lemon, floral

Body     Acidity

Washed Ethiopian Heirloom

December 2019 harvest

Roasted omni for filter and espresso

Ethiopia Aricha online

Ethiopia Qilenso

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Flavours of grape jelly and lemongrass tea

Body     Acidity

Washed Bourbon, Typica, Ethiopian Heirloom

December 2016 harvest

Roasted omni for filter and espresso

Ethiopia Qilenso online

Ethiopia Wote

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Flavours of apricot, earl grey tea

Body     Acidity

Washed Ethiopian Heirloom, Yirgacheffe type

January 2015 harvest

Roasted omni for filter and espresso

Ethiopia Wote online

Ethiopia Idido

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Flavours of mango, lemongrass, bergamot

Body     Acidity

Washed Ethiopian Heirloom

November 2015 harvest

Roasted omni for filter and espresso

Ethiopia Idido online
Photo for Uraga

Ethiopia Uraga

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Flavours of floral, brown sugar, cooked fruit and berries

Body     Acidity

Washed Ethiopian Heirloom

November 2019 harvest

Roasted omni for filter and espresso

Ethiopia Uraga online