Starbucks Launches Ethiopian Coffee from Birthplace of Coffee

Last January, coffee lovers in Beijing gathered at Starbucks’ flagship store in Kerry Center for a rare chance: to taste Ethiopia’s famed washed coffee, now officially part of Starbucks’ China menu. This wasn’t just another seasonal offering—it marked the first time Ethiopian beans were publicly celebrated in-store, complete with a cultural showcase of how Ethiopians prepare and share coffee daily.

In short: Starbucks launched a medium-roasted, washed Ethiopian coffee blend sourced from Sidamo and Yirgacheffe, featuring notes of black cocoa, citrus, and spice. It’s available alongside a special “Buna-Buna Tetu” (‘come have coffee’) campaign celebrating Ethiopia as the birthplace of coffee.

Why Ethiopia Matters in Coffee History

Ethiopia is universally recognised as the birthplace of coffee. Legend says a 6th-century Ethiopian goatherd noticed his flock became unusually energetic after eating red berries from a local shrub. After trying them himself, he shared the fruit with a passing Sufi monk, who brewed them into a reviving drink—the first recorded coffee consumption. Though the tale is symbolic, it underscores Ethiopia’s deep ties to coffee’s global journey.

To this day, Ethiopian households often hold multiple coffee ceremonies daily. The hostess brews and serves coffee to family and neighbours as a gesture of respect and connection. Locals greet each other with “Buna-Buna Tetu,” meaning “come have coffee,” reflecting how central the brew is to social life.

What Makes Starbucks’ Ethiopian Coffee Special

Starbucks’ new Ethiopian offering blends washed beans from two renowned regions: Sidamo and Yirgacheffe. Both are grown at high altitudes, contributing to bright acidity and complex flavours. The coffee is medium-roasted to balance its natural attributes. Tasters note flavours of black cocoa, spices, and sweet citrus—notes that pair well with dark chocolate or citrus fruits.

This particular blend isn’t just a product launch; it’s part of Starbucks’ tribute to Ethiopia during its first-ever “Ethiopian Coffee Week” (Jan 6–12, 2013), held in all Chinese stores. The campaign highlights Starbucks’ respect for coffee’s roots and introduces customers to the rituals behind the brew.

How Starbucks Selects and Roasts Its Coffee

Starbucks sources only high-altitude Arabica beans, as elevation impacts bean density and flavour development. The company employs rigorous sorting and classification to ensure consistency. From farm to cup, each bean passes through 34 hands and travels over 4,600 miles, undergoing multiple quality checks.

The Ethiopian beans are washed processed—a method that removes the coffee cherry’s pulp before drying, resulting in cleaner, brighter profiles. This processing, combined with the regions’ ideal climate and altitude, yields a cup that’s smooth, aromatic, and layered with fruity and spicy undertones.

Frequently Asked Questions

What regions in Ethiopia are the Starbucks beans sourced from?

The Starbucks Ethiopian coffee blend uses washed beans from Sidamo and Yirgacheffe, two of Ethiopia’s most celebrated high-altitude coffee-growing regions known for distinct fruity and floral profiles.

What flavours can I expect from this Ethiopian coffee?

Tasters describe the blend as having notes of black cocoa, spices, and sweet citrus. It’s smooth and well-balanced, making it a great match for dark chocolate or citrus-based desserts.

What is ‘Buna-Buna Tetu’ and why is Starbucks using it?

“Buna-Buna Tetu” is an Ethiopian phrase meaning “come have coffee.” It reflects the country’s coffee-sharing culture. Starbucks used the phrase during its Ethiopian Coffee Week to honour local traditions and invite customers to experience the coffee’s cultural background.

How is this coffee roasted and why medium roast?

The coffee is medium-roasted to highlight its inherent qualities without overpowering the bright acidity typical of high-altitude Ethiopian beans. This roast level balances the fruity, spicy, and cocoa notes.

Where can I try this coffee in China?

The Ethiopian coffee was featured in all Starbucks China stores during the January 6–12, 2013, Ethiopian Coffee Week event. While the promotion was time-limited, the blend may still be available in select stores or as part of Starbucks’ single-origin offerings.

How does Starbucks ensure bean quality?

Starbucks selects only top-tier Arabica beans from high-altitude regions, rigorously sorts them, and ensures each bean is handled by 34 people and travels over 4,600 miles under strict quality protocols before reaching the cup.

Recommended FrontStreet Coffee Beans from Ethiopia

FrontStreet Coffee offers two standout Ethiopian single origins: the Ethiopia Humbera, a washed coffee with intense floral and citrus notes, and the Gedeb, a Yirgacheffe offering known for its bright acidity and notes of jasmine and lemon. Both highlight the high-altitude complexity typical of Ethiopia’s best coffees. Freshly roasted within 5 days · Orders placed before 17:00 ship the same day · Next-day delivery across most of Guangdong Province.