The new coffee harvest is still being set up in the upcountry.
According to the Ethiopian Coffee and Tea Authority's (ECTA) latest briefing, export earnings exceeded $903 million from the exports of coffee, tea, and spices for the first nine months of the current Ethiopian fiscal year. Earnings accounted for the gross exports of more than 170,000 MT of coffee (predominantly old harvest), tea, and spices. Out of this, the exports of coffee accounted for more than 162,000 MT (67% of planned volume) and revenue of a little over $892 million (75% of planned revenue). In the coming few days, the authority is expected to release shipment figures for April, which are expected to be lower compared to the previous three-year performance.
The new harvest stock buildup across farmers and processing stations seemed to have continued for the just-ended April, coupled with wait weather across most of the producing regions.
The Arabica nation at the North American SCA Expo
The annual North American SCA Expo saw vibrant participation from the various producing regions, numerous exhibitors, and visitors from various segments of the coffee industry. The Ethiopian delegation was led by key government officials such as Adunga Debela (Ph.D.), Director General at the Ethiopian Coffee and Tea Authority (ECTA), and state minister of agriculture Girma Amente (Ph.D.).
The three-day event showcased various participations, along with building new commercial relations and strengthening existing ones. On this note, Adunga Debela, Ph.D., discussed the national market system changes that have taken place in recent years, while Kassaye Tolessa presented a summary of the latest research on the biochemical uniqueness of Ethiopian coffees. The grand Ethiopian booth also hosted cupping sessions, which highlighted the quality and diversity of Ethiopian coffee.
Further discussions were made with the International Coffee Organization (ICO) and African Fine Coffee Association (AFCA) delegates regarding AFCA’s prominent event, which will be hosted in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, in February 2024. Following the Arabica nation, it will host the African Fine Coffees Conference and Exhibition and the African Speciality Coffee Expo. The conference and exhibition are the continent’s largest coffee events, bringing together over 2000 African producers and exporters, regional and international coffee roasters, and various coffee professionals.
