Ethiopia Harvest Update 2024/25

From the beginning of December, the TYPICA team decided to travel to Ethiopia as soon as possible to monitor this year’s harvest. We concluded an average visit of three washing stations daily, including those of our current partners and some potential new partnerships.

Visiting Ethiopia is known to be one of the more intense sourcing trips. The rough roads, especially in the Guji area and the extremely long distances between washing stations and regions are 100% worth it to endure when you witness one of the most beautiful and fertile lands with some of the most incredible people I have met. We have chosen to stay ahead of the curve by being among the first visitors to our partners this year. This will allow us to coordinate this season’s offerings early and proactively address any logistical challenges. Here are our findings:

Production

This year is shaping up to be an “on year” in Ethiopia’s coffee production cycle, indicating a larger harvest compared to the previous season. The increased production is primarily attributed to favorable weather conditions, particularly the abundant rainfall experienced during both the regular rainy season and the off-season.

In the Guji region, one of Ethiopia’s coffee growing areas, rainfall has been consistent for an impressive six-month stretch, spanning from August to January. This extended period of precipitation is expected to have a positive impact on coffee cherry development and overall crop.

Quality

The quality of this year’s coffee is anticipated to improve significantly this year, thanks to the consistent rainfall. This stands in contrast to the last harvest, which suffered from insufficient rain, affecting both production volumes and cup quality.

The increased rainfall has allowed for better cherry development, particularly in terms of mucilage content. In previous years, coffee cherries were deprived of adequate moisture, resulting in reduced mucilage, which is crucial for flavor development during processing.

Economic Challenges

Despite the positive agricultural scene, the Ethiopian coffee sector faces significant economic challenges.

1. Cash Shortage: The most pressing issue for suppliers across the coffee chain is a severe lack of liquidity.

2. Government Monetary Policy: In an effort to combat inflation and strengthen the national currency, the Ethiopian government has implemented measures to reduce cash circulation which makes a challenge to pay farmers, who relies on cash payments.

3. Foreign Currency Shortage: The country is grappling with a scarcity of foreign currency, which is critical for international trade from our exporting partners.

Agricultural Practices and Challenges

Strong flowering has been observed this year, with coffee trees experiencing three flowering cycles every two to three months. This bodes well for potential yield, but challenges remain in agricultural practices.

For example, pruning, an important technique for maintaining long-term coffee tree health and productivity, is not widely practiced among Ethiopian farmers. Many are reluctant to prune due to concerns about short-term cash flow, as pruning can temporarily reduce yield

Engagement and Traditions

As an anecdote that I found very endearing, some of our partners like Gujoo Trading are working to create social projects by engaging with community elders, who have a strong saying on what projects have priorities. They traditionally discuss over shared meals and gatherings. These initiatives help strengthen ties between coffee businesses and local communities.

In conclusion, while Ethiopia’s coffee sector faces economic challenges, the upcoming harvest shows promise in terms of both quantity and quality, thanks to the weather conditions. At TYPICA, we are committed to being involved from the very beginning of the harvest, working closely with our partners to address the logistical challenges in Ethiopia.

As a roaster, you can expect higher volumes and better quality this season. However, it’s important to be prepared to complete your orders in a timely manner, as organization remains the most effective tool for overcoming logistical difficulties in a country like Ethiopia

Behind-the-scenes regarding my non-coffee favourites

・Injera, a traditional pancake-like bread, is slightly sour. You eat it frequently when visiting Ethiopia, and it is the perfect companion to their stewed dishes.

・Although it is coffee-related, I must mention: The café experience in Ethiopia is excellent. The offerings are lovely, and the traditional Ethiopian ceremonial coffee is a great experience.

・The scenery is impressive. It is the most fertile land I have ever seen; you see trees and plantations of many kinds growing in the wild.