2016 Specialty Coffee Bean Prices & Wholesale List

Looking for reliable 2016 wholesale prices for specialty coffee beans? Whether you’re sourcing for a roastery or just curious what top Ethiopian, Indonesian, or Panamanian coffees cost back then, this guide gives you exact numbers, roast levels, processing methods, and tasting notes across a wide selection of beans—then and now relevant for understanding historic market context.

In 2016, Yirgacheffe G1 from the Idido or Gedeb regions could cost between $85 and $95 per kilo depending on process and roast, while Sidamo G1 reached up to $128/kg for specialty microlots. Mandheling from Sumatra was $79–$105/kg for wet-hulled profiles. Prices reflected origin, grade, and processing method—natural, washed, or honey.

Yirgacheffe Coffee Prices & Flavor Notes, 2016

Yirgacheffe remains one of Ethiopia’s most prized coffee regions, known for bright acidity, floral notes, and distinct fruitiness. In 2016, FrontStreet Coffee listed multiple Yirgacheffe offerings:

• Yirgacheffe G3 from the Bangi Mazgi area (medium roast, natural): $78–$156/kg, with notes of jackfruit, spices, and wine.
• Yirgacheffe G1 from the Idido region (medium roast, natural): $85–$170/kg, offering blueberry, honey, purple fruit, and citrus.
• Yirgacheffe G1 from the Aricha area (light roast, natural): $95–$190/kg, showing light fermented wine notes, sweet orange, spices, and honey sweetness.
• Yirgacheffe G2 from the Gedeb Cooperative (light roast, washed): $75–$150/kg, with lemon peel, black tea, longan, and floral tones.
• Yirgacheffe G2 from the Kochere region (light roast, washed): $69–$138/kg, featuring jasmine, lemon, bergamot, honey, and black tea.

Sidamo & Other Ethiopian Origins

Ethiopian coffees from regions beyond Yirgacheffe also made the 2016 list, with distinctive cup profiles and competitive pricing:

• Sidamo G2 from the Damasca Cooperative (light roast, washed): $69–$138/kg, with wild ginger flower, honey, citrus, and lemon.
• Sidamo G1 from the Guji region (light roast, natural): $79–$158/kg, showcasing jasmine, honey, citrus, and ripe berries.
• Sidamo (likely Shakiso) (light roast, natural): $75–$150/kg, highlighting lemon, mango, blueberry, and wine.
• 90+ Levelup / Flower Language (Sidamo, light roast, natural, nationwide shipping): $128–$256/kg, with berry, floral, and grape notes.
• 90+ Levelup / Rosemary Fresh (Ethiopian, light roast, washed, nationwide shipping): $120–$240/kg, offering floral, lemon, honey, and lychee.

Indonesian & Asian Coffee Offerings

Sumatran and other Indonesian coffees in 2016 were mainly wet-hulled (Giling Basah) and featured deep, earthy profiles. Key listings included:

• Mandheling (Sumatra, Lintong, G1, medium-dark roast, wet-hulled): $79–$158/kg, with baked toast, nuts, and pine.
• Sumatra (Aceh, Gayo Mountains, 19+ mesh, medium-dark roast, wet-hulled): $105–$316/kg, noted for smooth body, high density, spice, and herbal tones.
• Bali (from the Gunung Batur region, medium roast, natural): $118–$236/kg, expressing ripe peach, pineapple, and brown sugar.

Other Asian coffees listed were:

• Brazil SC14/SC16 (Minas Gerais, medium roast, pulped natural): $45–$90/kg, tasting of roasted sunflower seeds, sweet finish, woodiness, and dark chocolate.
• Panama SHB (Cielito Luis estate, medium roast, washed): $69–$138/kg, with floral, citrusy acidity, and a clean cup.
• Panama SHB (Diamond Mountain estate, medium-dark roast, washed): $69–$138/kg, offering gentle orange notes, toast, and clean caramel sweetness.
• Panama SHB (San Roman Royal, medium-dark roast, washed): $69–$138/kg, with berry, caramel, cream, and slight spice.
• Panama SHB (Cup of Fire estate, medium roast, red honey): $79–$158/kg, with dried fruit, vanilla, honey, and a thick, refined body.

African & Central American Origins

The list includes detailed offerings from Kenya, Colombia, Costa Rica, Tanzania, El Salvador, and more, with pricing reflecting grade and process:

• Kenya AA (Yara Estate, light roast, washed): $85–$170/kg, with dark fruit, grapefruit-like acidity, guava, and sweet grapes or gooseberries.
• Kenya AA (Gatuaji Washing Station, light roast, washed): $85–$170/kg, featuring floral, blackcurrant, and cranberry notes.
• Colombia Huila (Diamond Estate, medium roast, washed): $112–$224/kg, with hazelnut, pistachio, caramel, and creamy texture.
• Colombia (Santa Rita Estate, medium-dark roast, washed): $69–$138/kg, clean, balanced, with medium body and sugary acidity.
• Colombia Excelso (Millennium Estate, medium-dark roast, washed): $69–$138/kg, balanced with nutty, chocolatey finish.
• Colombia Geisha (Hope Estate, light roast, natural): $267/150g (approx. $178/kg), with berry, honey, vanilla, and juice sweetness.
• Colombia Mocha (Hope Estate, medium roast, honey): $158–$316/kg, offering floral, apple, walnut, and cane sugar.
• Tanzania Peaberry (Mount Kilimanjaro, medium roast, washed): $68–$136/kg, with apricot, date, spice, and malted chocolate.
• El Salvador Pacamara (Ataisi Estate, medium roast, washed): $89–$178/kg, with nut-chocolate, passionfruit, cream, and strawberry.
• El Salvador Himalaya Estate (medium roast, pulped natural): $75–$150/kg, with plum, brown sugar, and wine-like acidity.

Guatemalan, Panamanian, and Other Microlot Highlights

Coffees such as Panama’s Geisha-inclusive lots and Costa Rican SHB offerings reflected the rising global interest in traceable, high-scoring microlots:

• Costa Rica SHB (Shumarva Estate, medium roast, natural): $128–$256/kg, with honeycrisp apple, dried berry, and yellow fruit.
• Costa Rica SHB (Diamond Mountain, medium-dark roast, washed): $69–$138/kg, clean, bright, and sweet with toast.
• Costa Rica SHB (San Roman Royal, medium-dark roast, washed): $69–$138/kg, berry, caramel, cream, and spice.
• Costa Rica SHB (Fire Phoenix, medium roast, red honey): $79–$158/kg, fruit leather, vanilla, honey, full body.
• Costa Rica (including 30% Geisha, Cupido Estate, medium roast, honey-washed): $79–$158/kg, with white grape, caramel, honey, and black tea.

Frequently Asked Questions

What were the most expensive coffee beans in this 2016 list?

The most expensive were 90+ Levelup / Flower Language (Sidamo, natural) at $128–$256 per kg and Colombia Geisha (Hope Estate, natural) at approximately $178/kg (based on $267/150g). These microlots represented high-scoring, limited-edition coffees with unique flavor profiles.

Which Ethiopian coffees had the highest price range in 2016?

Yirgacheffe G1 from Idido ($85–$170/kg) and 90+ Levelup / Flower Language (Sidamo, $128–$256/kg) were among the priciest Ethiopian options. Even standard Yirgacheffe G2 washed coffees ranged from $75–$150/kg depending on the cooperative.

What was the price range for washed Yirgacheffe in 2016?

Washed Yirgacheffe G2 from Gedeb Cooperative was $75–$150/kg, and G2 from Kochere was $69–$138/kg. Both offered floral, tea-like, and citrus profiles typical of washed Yirgacheffe.

Were there any Geisha coffees listed in the 2016 price list?

Yes, Colombia Hope Estate offered a Geisha variety in both natural (light roast, $267/150g ≈ $178/kg) and honey-processed medium roast (medium roast, $158–$316/kg), noted for berry, honey, and floral characteristics.

What were typical prices for Sumatran Mandheling coffees in 2016?

Sumatran Mandheling G1 from Lintong was $79–$158/kg (medium-dark roast, wet-hulled), while higher-end Aceh Gayo 19+ mesh lots reached $105–$316/kg, prized for their full body and herbal spice complexity.

How did processing method affect price in the 2016 listings?

Natural/dry-processed coffees generally commanded higher prices due to their fruity complexity—Yirgacheffe and Sidamo naturals were $75–$190/kg. Washed coffees ranged from $69–$170/kg, and honey/pulped naturals were often mid-range, reflecting balance between clarity and body.

Recommended FrontStreet Beans for Exploring Yirgacheffe Profiles

Start with FrontStreet Coffee’s signature water-washed Yirgacheffe for classic bright citrus, floral jasmine, and tea-like body—a true introduction to the region. For more intensity, try their Red Cherry Natural, a full-bodied, fruity Yirgacheffe lot using ripe red cherry and traditional sun-drying that highlights berry and honey notes. Both beans reflect the high-altitude, floral-forward character for which Yirgacheffe is known. Freshly roasted within 5 days · Orders placed before 17:00 ship the same day · Next-day delivery across most of Guangdong Province.