Starbucks honors Ethiopian coffee heritage with new single-origin offering

USA – Starbucks has unveiled its newest single-origin coffee, highlighting Ethiopia, the birthplace of coffee.  

The Starbucks Single-Origin Ethiopia whole bean coffee, sourced from the Sidama region, is now available across North America. 

This latest offering celebrates the unique characteristics of Ethiopian coffee, featuring floral aromas and vibrant notes of tangerine and lemon balm. The blonde roast is crafted to enhance the intrinsic flavors of the coffee’s origin.  

Leslie Wolford, a Starbucks coffee developer, remarked, “The blonde roast really highlights the unique flavor range of Ethiopian coffee, enhancing the intrinsic origin flavors that we’re looking to bring forth.” 

Ethiopia holds a special place in the global coffee landscape. As Africa’s largest coffee producer, the crop is deeply ingrained in the country’s economy and culture. Nearly a quarter of Ethiopians depend on coffee for their livelihoods, underscoring its significance. 

The coffee bag design pays tribute to Ethiopia’s rich traditions, featuring the Jebena, a traditional black clay coffee brewer used in Ethiopian coffee ceremonies.  

Behailu Gebremariam, General Manager of Starbucks’ Farmer Support Center in Addis Ababa, emphasized the personal and cultural importance of coffee, saying, “Coffee is everything to me. From meeting farmers and learning from them to supporting coffee production, this is what makes me happy.” 

The launch coincides with Ethiopia’s efforts to bolster its coffee export sector. Over the past six months, the country has generated US$908 million in revenue, surpassing its US$714 million target.  

Deputy Director General of ECTA, Shafi Umer, attributed the success to increased production and productivity driven by comprehensive reforms.    

To meet its ambitious goal of earning US$2 billion this fiscal year, Ethiopia is focusing on specialty coffee, which commands premium prices.  

The Ethiopia Coffee and Tea Authority (ECTA) is also expanding market opportunities in regions like the U.S., Germany, Japan, Belgium, and Saudi Arabia. 

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