Starbucks Eyes Expansion of Ethiopian Coffee in Global Markets

Addis Ababa, January 12, 2026 (ENA)— The Ethiopian government and Starbucks officials held discussions on how to expand Ethiopian coffee in the global markets.

Minister of Agriculture Addisu Arega has held talks with Starbucks Vice President Roberto Vega Alonso on strengthening and sustaining the long-standing partnership between Ethiopia and Starbucks, with a focus on expanding Ethiopian coffee’s presence in global markets.

 The discussion centered on securing a reliable supply of specialty coffee and increasing the share of Ethiopian coffee used in Starbucks products worldwide.

 In a statement shared on social media, Minister Addisu said, “Our discussion focused on ensuring a reliable supply of specialty coffee and reaching a shared understanding that will meaningfully increase the role and share of Ethiopian coffee within Starbucks’ coffee recipes.”

 He added that Starbucks reaffirmed its commitment to further support Ethiopia’s smallholder coffee farmers by improving production and productivity.

 Starbucks is the world’s largest specialty coffee buyer, and its engagement in Ethiopia primarily focuses on sourcing and long-term partnership.

 According to available reports, Starbucks’ coffee purchases from Ethiopia increased by about 400 percent in the years following cooperation agreements with Ethiopian stakeholders.

 The company sources coffee from a range of producers, including large scale farms operated by MIDROC Investment Group, and periodically releases single origin Ethiopian coffee in its global stores, highlighting Ethiopia’s coffee heritage and traditional brewing culture.

 Previously, World Coffee Research Asia and Africa Director Kraig Kraft underscored Ethiopia’s unique position in the global coffee industry.

 In an exclusive interview with ENA, he said, “Ethiopian coffee occupies a very special place globally.

 As the birth place of coffee, there is incredible diversity and quality of Ethiopian coffee that every company wants to purchase and every coffee drinker around the globe wants to drink.”

 He added, “I think everyone across the globe purchases Ethiopian coffee.”

 Reports indicate that more than five million Ethiopian households depend on coffee production for their livelihoods.

Kraig noted that while Ethiopia has vast coffee varieties and strong global demand, innovation is needed to help farmers better access international markets, stressing that the future of Ethiopian coffee remains bright.

 Ethiopia’s coffee diplomacy has also gained momentum in North Africa.

 On February 3, 2025, officials of MUNDO Coffee, a premium Dutch founded coffee brand, expressed interest in visiting Ethiopia to engage with local exporters on technical cooperation.

 Ethiopia’s Ambassador to Algeria, Muktar Mohamed, held discussions with MUNDO Coffee officials, who explained that their company imports coffee from countries including Vietnam, Indonesia, Côte d'Ivoire and Brazil to supply the Algerian market.

The officials noted that Ethiopian Arabica coffee currently reaches Algeria through European intermediaries.

 Ambassador Muktar briefed them on the advantages of importing directly from Ethiopia in terms of quality, cost and logistics, highlining  efficient transport options and reduced cargo service fees offered by Ethiopian Airlines to coffee importers sourcing directly from Ethiopia.

 The Ambassador emphasized that direct trade would strengthen intra African trade and contribute to continental development. He expressed readiness to visit MUNDO Coffee’s headquarters, an offer the company welcomed, indicating plans to arrange a visit program.

 The Ethiopian Coffee and Tea Authority announced on May 2, 2025 that the sector recorded remarkable achievements over the past nine months, marking a historic milestone in coffee exports.

 Ethiopia’s top ten coffee export destinations currently include Saudi Arabia, Germany, the United States, Belgium, China, South Korea, the United Arab Emirates, Japan, Italy and Jordan.