Key Takeaways
- Ethiopia exports 240,260 tons of coffee in six months, hitting 153% of planned volume
- Revenue totals $988 million, surpassing a $714 million target by 127%
- Nekmet, along with Sidama, Jimma, Yirgacheffe, and Limu, accounts for 90% of foreign coffee sales
- Germany, Belgium, and Saudi Arabia stand out as top buyers
Ethiopia’s Coffee Boom
Ethiopia’s coffee industry is enjoying a remarkable run, posting robust gains in both export volume and earnings over the past six months. According to the Ethiopian Coffee and Tea Authority, the country shipped 240,260 tons of coffee—far outpacing the official target of 133,063 tons—and generated $988 million in revenue, well above the $714 million forecast for the period.
“We’re seeing the impact of operational improvements and strong global demand,”
says Shafi Umer, Deputy Director-General of the Ethiopian Coffee and Tea Authority.
“Coffee continues to be the backbone of Ethiopia’s export strategy.”
Nekmet’s Rising Star
One of the biggest drivers of this exceptional performance has been Nekmet coffee, a fast-emerging brand that is increasingly dominating Ethiopia’s coffee landscape. Alongside established varieties like Sidama, Jimma, Yirgacheffe, and Limu, Nekmet now accounts for 90% of total coffee exports. Industry insiders point to Nekmet’s distinctive flavor profile and consistent quality as key factors behind its surge in global markets.
Global Demand & Premium Pricing
- Top Buyers: Germany, Belgium, and Saudi Arabia remain Ethiopia’s largest importers of coffee, a reflection of strong European demand for specialty beans and the Middle East’s growing coffee culture.
- Premium Beans: Ethiopian coffee is often priced higher than blends from other regions, thanks to its reputation for complex flavors, high-altitude growth conditions, and a centuries-old heritage.
- Logistical Improvements: Investments in road networks, cold-storage facilities, and digitized customs procedures have cut delivery times and lowered operational costs, helping exporters fulfill orders efficiently.
Focus on Quality and Sustainability
Government agencies and industry bodies have ramped up training programs aimed at improving bean quality, post-harvest handling, and traceability. Many Ethiopian coffee farmers are adopting sustainable farming practices—such as shade-grown cultivation and eco-friendly processing methods—to meet stringent international standards and capture premium prices.
Challenges and Outlook
While surging export revenue benefits growers and traders, Ethiopia’s decision to float its currency has driven up costs for imports like fertilizers and machinery. Nonetheless, officials believe strong coffee earnings will help cushion these headwinds.
Looking ahead, the Ethiopian Coffee and Tea Authority aims to sustain momentum by expanding farmland under improved irrigation systems, boosting productivity through better seedlings, and launching aggressive marketing campaigns abroad.
If the current pace continues, authorities anticipate full-year coffee export earnings could easily surpass the $2 billion mark, positioning Ethiopia as not just the largest coffee producer in Africa, but also a key player on the global stage for specialty beans.
