ETHIOPIA – The Ethiopian Tea and Coffee Authority (ECTA) has partnered with Italian food giant Illycaffè in a significant move aimed at enhancing the quality and sustainability of Ethiopia’s coffee industry.

This exciting collaboration was officially announced in a press release on August 28, as both organizations commit to bolstering the country’s position as Africa’s leading coffee producer.

To maintain and further elevate the reputation of Ethiopian coffee on the global stage, the strategic partnership will offer a range of specialized courses in regenerative agriculture, coffee roasting, sensory analysis, and coffee preparation.

This aims to equip professionals throughout the coffee supply chain with the skills and knowledge needed to produce top-quality coffee beans.

According to Cristina Scocchia, the CEO of Illycaffè, the public-private partnership will create synergies to increase the quality and therefore the sustainability of coffee communities.

“We are going to put in place training that will allow small producers to increase their coffee production capacity and therefore their income and allow baristas to work with a better-quality product,” she stated expressing her enthusiasm for the collaboration.

The centerpiece of this initiative will be the Coffee Training Center (CTC) in Addis Ababa, which was established in 2021 through a cooperative effort between ECTA, the Italian Agency for Cooperation Development (AICS), and the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO).

The CTC will serve as the primary hub for these specialized training programs, facilitating knowledge transfer and skill development among Ethiopia’s coffee professionals.

Illycaffè, founded in Trieste in 1933, boasts a rich history of coffee expertise and innovation. With over 190 coffee sales points worldwide, the company is well-positioned to contribute its knowledge in research, bean processing, and the art of coffee preparation.

Their involvement in this initiative is expected to further enhance Ethiopia’s coffee production capabilities.

Ethiopia’s coffee industry has been a critical source of revenue for the country, earning US$1.4 billion in the 2021/2022 season from coffee shipments, according to data from the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA).

With the support of Illycaffè and the ECTA, Ethiopia aims to not only maintain its strong position in the coffee market but also raise the bar for quality and sustainability in the coffee communities of the nation.

As coffee enthusiasts worldwide await the positive impact of this collaboration on the flavors and aromas of Ethiopian coffee, it is clear that the ECTA and Illycaffè are working together to ensure that Ethiopia remains synonymous with exceptional coffee for years to come.

Meanwhile, the partnership is serving as a testament to the commitment of both organizations to the growth and prosperity of Ethiopia’s coffee sector and the communities it supports.

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