Ethiopian Cup of Excellence Makes Triumphant Return to Addis Ababa After Record-Breaking Year

The prestigious Ethiopian Cup of Excellence is set to make a triumphant return to Addis Ababa in mid-July following a one-year break, as announced by the Cup of Excellence (CoE).

“Ethiopia, renowned as the birthplace of arabica coffee, witnessed record-breaking moments during the Cup of Excellence in 2022,” stated Erwin Mierisch, Executive Director of both CoE and Alliance for Coffee Excellence. “The winning farmers shattered records, with the highest-scoring coffee fetching an unprecedented $400.50 per pound (approximately US$498.54), marking the highest price ever paid for Ethiopian coffee.”

With over 600 samples already housed in regional warehouses and notifications recently dispatched to farmers, anticipation is high for this year’s competition. The event will showcase both natural and washed process coffees, resulting in two distinct sets of winners. International jurors will conduct the final week of judging from 8 to 12 July.

Dr. Hussein Ambro PhD, President of Ethiopian National Coffee Association, underscored the transformative impact of the CoE competition on farmers’ lives. “Cup of Excellence competitions serve as a catalyst for farmers to strive for top-tier micro-lots, fetching prices up to 50 times higher than the market average. This not only elevates coffee production standards but also has the potential to alleviate farm debts and enhance livelihoods significantly.”

Moreover, the CoE competition amplifies awareness among Ethiopian smallholder coffee farmers regarding the value of their produce, leading to better market prices and improved living conditions.

Unlike previous years, Ethiopia’s winning samples will remain distinct from the Alliance for Coffee Excellence sample packages. Additionally, due to higher shipping costs from Africa, these samples are expected to be pricier. Given the anticipated high demand, early registration for sample sets is strongly recommended.