Ethiopian Coffee Bean Grades Flavors Introduction

In Ethiopia, the grading and quality control system of coffee is divided into three levels: producer, regional and national. All coffee is inspected by local inspection agencies before leaving the country of origin, and then re-tested at the coffee inspection and grading centers in Addis and Diredawa to determine its quality grade. Coffee is graded before auction and sale and is important for all groups involved in production, acquisition, export and consumption. Before export, coffee must also be sent to a national quality control agency for inspection to confirm that the origin and color meet the export standards to ensure the reputation of Ethiopian coffee.

At present, there are two main indicators in Ethiopia's coffee grading and quality control system: visual inspection and cup evaluation, including the color, cleanliness, origin, taste and characteristics of coffee beans. The export rating is marked by simple numbers, with the best washed coffee at level 5 and the best sun-cured coffee at level 4. After grading, mark the place of origin and then export. Exports are usually paid by letter of credit, which can not only reduce the risk of foreign exchange collection for exporters, but also give quality assurance to importers.

According to the law, all coffee is sold through an auction held by Addis and DiRedawa. During the coffee harvest, such auctions are even held twice a day.

The export of coffee

Coffee is Ethiopia's most important export cash crop and a major source of Ethiopia's foreign exchange earnings. Ethiopia's coffee exports account for about 3% of the world market and are the world's eighth largest coffee exporter. Coffee exports increased steadily from 58000 tons in 1990-91 to 110000 tons in 1995-96 and remained at this level in the following years. The export volume exceeded 110000 tons from 2001 to 2002 and reached 127000 tons from 2002 to 2003. The decline in coffee prices on the international market for a decade has seriously affected Ethiopia's foreign exchange earnings. Before the sharp fall in coffee prices, coffee exports accounted for more than half of Ethiopia's foreign exchange earnings, but now they account for only about 35 per cent. But according to the International Coffee Organization, coffee prices rebounded in 2002, rising from 41 cents per pound in September 2001 to 52 cents per pound in 2002 and 59.7 cents per pound in 2003. The average price in March 2004 was 60.8 cents per pound, an increase of 50% over September 2001. This is excellent news for Ethiopia.

Ethiopian people are addicted to coffee. In 2003, domestic consumption accounted for 42.3% of the total output, with a per capita consumption of 3 kg. But more than half of the coffee produced each year is used for export to earn foreign exchange. Major exporters include the United States, Italy, the United Kingdom, Sweden, Norway, Greece, France, Belgium, Germany and Australia.