The Russian market will soon welcome authentic Ethiopian coffee. This was announced by Ethiopia’s Ambassador to Moscow, Genet Teshome Jirru, in an interview with TASS, emphasizing that negotiations between Russian companies and Ethiopian producers are already actively underway. In the coming months, Ethiopian coffee brands are expected to appear on the shelves of Russian stores.
According to the diplomat, the promotion of Ethiopian coffee in Russia is being supported by Ethiopia’s Ministry of Trade and Regional Integration in cooperation with Russia’s Ministry of Economic Development. The primary objective is to increase coffee export volumes and establish direct supply chains without intermediaries.
“We have already started engaging with Russian companies interested in purchasing Ethiopian coffee. Some of them have already visited our country, are negotiating with producers, and analyzing the market,” said Jirru. He expressed confidence that the process will be successful and that Russian consumers will soon be able to enjoy high-quality Ethiopian coffee.
Ethiopia is renowned for its unique coffee varieties, considered benchmarks in the world of specialty coffee. The ambassador particularly highlighted famous varieties such as Harar and Sidamo, known for their rich aroma and flavor. “I am confident that Russian consumers will appreciate our coffee. Given the growing interest in specialty coffee in Russia, these varieties will secure a significant position in the market,” he noted.
As of 2024, Ethiopia remains Africa’s largest coffee exporter and one of the world’s leading suppliers of Arabica. Entering the Russian market presents new opportunities for diversifying exports, especially amid shifts in global trade and supply chain realignments.
Last year, the Russian coffee market demonstrated strong growth, particularly in the premium coffee segment. Industry research indicates that demand for specialty coffee in Russia is increasing annually, making Ethiopian coffee’s entry a timely and strategic move.
Despite promising prospects, the entry of Ethiopian coffee into the Russian market comes with challenges, including logistical and customs hurdles, product certification, and pricing adaptation to meet local market requirements. However, the diplomat expressed confidence that these issues will be resolved promptly through collaboration between Ethiopian and Russian authorities.
The expansion of Ethiopian coffee into Russia is a significant development for the market, bringing both new flavors and stronger trade relations between the two nations. Consumers will soon have the opportunity to experience authentic Ethiopian coffee varieties, while producers gain access to a dynamic and growing market. In the coming months, Ethiopian coffee brands are expected to make their debut in Russian stores, marking a crucial step in fostering economic cooperation between Ethiopia and Russia.