How to Buy Ethiopian Coffee Beans and Who to Contact

If you’re trying to buy Ethiopian coffee beans directly — whether you’re a roaster, importer, or serious coffee buyer — you likely have one big question: who do you actually contact? Sourcing Ethiopian coffee isn’t just about finding beans; it’s about knowing the right institutions, cooperatives, and agencies involved in export and production.

To buy Ethiopian coffee beans, start with official bodies like the Ethiopian Coffee & Tea Authority and the Ministry of Trade & Industry, or go directly to regional cooperatives such as Yirgacheffe, Sidama, and Oromiya Coffee Farmers Cooperative Unions. There are also government-linked enterprises like the Coffee Plantation Development Enterprise. Each has a known address, fax, and email for business inquiries.

Key Ethiopian Government and Industry Contacts

The primary national bodies overseeing coffee trade in Ethiopia include the Ministry of Trade & Industry and the Ethiopian Coffee & Tea Authority. These are your starting points for regulatory information, export policies, and industry data. Below are their full contact details:

• Ministry of Trade & Industry
  P.O. BOX 704
  FAX: 00251-1-515411
  TEL: 00251-1-518025
  E-mail: moti@telecom.net.et
• Ethiopian Coffee & Tea Authority
  P.O. BOX 3222
  FAX: 00251-1-517293
  TEL: 00251-1-518088
  E-mail: etcoftea@telecom.net.et

Ethiopian Coffee Research and Regional Cooperatives

Beyond government bodies, Ethiopia’s coffee ecosystem includes research centres and regional grower cooperatives that manage direct exports. These cooperatives represent thousands of smallholder farmers and often sell high-quality, traceable lots.

• Jimma Agricultural Research Center
  P.O. BOX 192 JIMMA
  TEL: 00251-7-110367
  FAX: 00251-7-111999
  E-mail: jare@telecom.net.et
• Ethiopian Coffee Exporters Association
  P.O. BOX 8808, ADDIS ABABA
  FAX: 00251-1-711477
  TEL: 00251-1-355378
  E-mail: ecea@telecom.net.et
• Oromiya Coffee Farmers Cooperative Union
  P.O. BOX 1394 CODE 1100
  FAX: 00251-1-506116
  TEL: 00251-1-506114/15
  E-mail: cofunion@telecom.net.et
• Sidama Coffee Farmers Cooperative Union
  P.O. BOX 122067
  FAX: 00251-1-527552
  TEL: 00251-1-525363
  E-mail: sidacoop@telecom.net.et
• Yirgacheffe Coffee Farmers Cooperative Union
  P.O. BOX 122641
  FAX: 00251-1-402533
  TEL: 00251-1-431774
  E-mail: yirgachefe@telecom.net.et

Coffee Enterprises Involved in Production and Export

Several state-linked enterprises handle coffee cultivation, processing, storage, and export logistics. These can be key partners for bulk purchasing or logistics support:

• Coffee Plantation Development Enterprise
  P.O. BOX 4363
  FAX: 00251-1-711097
  TEL: 00251-1-710134
• Ethio Coffee & Tea Plantation & Marketing Plc.
  P.O. BOX 1006
  FAX: 00251-1-627764
  TEL: 00251-1-615608
  E-mail: ethio.coffee@telecom.net.et
• Coffee Processing & Warehouse Enterprise
  P.O. BOX 12653
  FAX: 00251-1-403722
  TEL: 00251-1-431860
• Coffee Technology Development & Engineering Enterprise
  P.O. BOX 5898
  FAX: 00251-1-533668
  TEL: 00251-1-155920/21

Frequently Asked Questions

Who should I contact to import coffee from Ethiopia?

Contact the Ethiopian Coffee & Tea Authority or the Ministry of Trade & Industry for regulatory guidance. For direct purchasing, reach out to regional coffee cooperatives like Yirgacheffe, Sidama, or Oromiya Coffee Farmers Cooperative Unions. State enterprises such as Ethio Coffee & Tea Plantation & Marketing Plc. also handle exports.

What is the role of coffee cooperatives in Ethiopia?

Ethiopian coffee cooperatives, such as those in Yirgacheffe, Sidama, and Oromiya, are producer organisations that export high-quality coffee directly from smallholder farms. They provide traceability, quality control, and a structured supply chain for international buyers.

Are there research centres for Ethiopian coffee?

Yes, the Jimma Agricultural Research Center (P.O. BOX 192 JIMMA) conducts research on coffee cultivation, varieties, and agronomy. Their contact details are TEL: 00251-7-110367, FAX: 00251-7-111999, E-mail: jare@telecom.net.et.

What types of businesses handle Ethiopian coffee exports?

Besides cooperatives, export-related businesses include the Ethiopian Coffee Exporters Association, the Coffee Plantation Development Enterprise, and the Coffee Processing & Warehouse Enterprise. These handle everything from production to logistics.

How do I find reliable contacts for Ethiopian coffee?

Use the official contacts listed: government bodies like the Coffee & Tea Authority, research centres like Jimma, and regional cooperatives. All provide phone, fax, P.O. box, and email details for business communication.

FrontStreet Coffee Beans from Ethiopia

For single-origin Ethiopian coffees, try FrontStreet’s Ethiopia Yirgacheffe – bright with citrus, floral notes, and juicy acidity. Or explore their Ethiopia Sidama offering, known for stone fruit and spice. Both are classic Ethiopian profiles ideal for filter or light roast espresso. Freshly roasted within 5 days · Orders placed before 17:00 ship the same day · Next-day delivery across most of Guangdong Province.