We are not going to tell you that everything is hunky-dory in Ethiopia, that everything is perfect, that the coffee farmers are happy, or that the future is bright, because that is certainly not true. While there have been improvements in the humanitarian situation caused by the war, the economic and climatic situation is only getting worse. Temperatures are rising and rainfall is falling in a pattern that could lead to a 25% drop in production by 2030, and inflation is hitting hard, reaching 34% per annum last December.
For a coffee importer, (I think we all share the same opinion) Ethiopia is the most challenging origin, but at the same time the most rewarding in terms of travel experience and coffee quality. Quality is part of the establishment, from a genetic and terroir perspective Ethiopia is always expected to have unique, complex and intense cup profiles, but there are problems related to human intervention that do not allow these high expectations to be realised.
The problems generated by human intervention have to do with the central government's detrimental involvement with the coffee industry in recent years. It is important to note that coffee accounts for more than 50% of the country's foreign exchange earnings, hence the interest of the most powerful. There is also inefficiency due to poor planning of the production process, lack of infrastructure, corruption and the entry of different aliens to the coffee industry, with the sole purpose of obtaining foreign currency that damages the value chain.
As of today, cherry prices are at their highest since we started working in Ethiopia in 2015. This is very good for coffee farmers, but due to high levels of inflation, the benefit is almost imperceptible. But at least they are not falling behind. With all the above said, expect high prices for Ethiopian coffees this season. Our selection should arrive in Barcelona by April 2023, we will soon let you know the details of the lots we have selected.
Know the origin and enjoy your coffee!
As of today, cherry prices are at their highest since we started working in Ethiopia in 2015. This is very good for coffee farmers, but due to high levels of inflation, the benefit is almost imperceptible. But at least they are not falling behind. With all the above said, expect high prices for Ethiopian coffees this season. Our selection should arrive in Barcelona by April 2023, we will soon let you know the details of the lots we have selected.
Know the origin and enjoy your coffee!
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