Addis Ababa, March 31, 2022(Walt) – Ethiopian Coffee Exporters Association stated that Ethiopian coffee exports have increased from 137,000 tons to 162,818.04 tons within six months and if the situation keeps at the same rate, Ethiopia is expected to earn over one billion USD exporting coffee alone.
Speaking to The Ethiopian Herald, the Association General Manager, Gizat worku said that Ethiopia has secured 645.10 million USD exporting 162,818.04 tons during the last seven months though it planned to generate 451.33 million USD in the reported period.
The very reason behind the increased coffee export is, the recurrent drought and frost occurred in three consecutive days in São Paulo and Minas Geraes as Arabica coffee producing areas are seriously affected. This contributes to declining coffee exports by 14 million bags. In May 2019, the coffee sold at a minimum price of 0.87 USD per pound while in February 2022 the price increased three fold and escalated to 2.60 USD. The reason for the price increase is, the decline of coffee product supply in the international market, Gizat elaborated.t
Ethiopia coffee exports are gaining momentum as coffee demand in the international market has been on rise , it was learnt.
“ Surely, Ethiopia will earn over one billion USD in the next six months. Hadn’t it been the case of peace and stability, the nation would have earned 1.67 billion dollars exporting coffee .”
According to him, Yirga cheffe coffee is one of the most sought coffee in the international market followed by Guji, Sidama and the newcomer Nunsuboo. What makes coffee preferable is the aroma it does have and if exporters are promoting coffee products well, Ethiopian coffee can be competitive in the international market.
Though there are some efforts, a lot remains to be done in branding Ethiopian coffee, he added.
Established in 1961, Ethiopian Coffee Exporters Association has been striving to promote Ethiopian coffee in the international market in the past regimes. Apart from promoting Ethiopian coffee in the international market, the association exerted utmost effort to build the image of the country.