Ethiopian coffee exporters are preparing to showcase the country’s world-renowned Arabica beans at the eighth China International Import Expo (CIIE), set for November 5 - 10 in Shanghai. Among them is Awo Coffee, a rapidly growing producer and exporter making its debut at the global trade event.

Awo Coffee’s Marketing Manager, Kaleab Fekad, said the expo offers a key opportunity to boost the company’s brand visibility and strengthen its foothold in China, a market he believes remains largely untapped. General Manager Tesfaye Gebru added that China has become the company’s main export destination, accounting for about 70 percent of its 2025 shipments, including 200 tonnes of green coffee beans.

Founded in 2014, Awo Coffee sources beans from its 14 hectare farm and smallholder partners, processing them in Hawassa before exporting both roasted and green coffee. The company also imports packaging materials from China to maintain product quality.

Ethiopia, Africa’s largest Arabica producer, earned USD 2.65 billion from coffee exports in 2024/25. China has rapidly risen to become the fourth-largest importer of Ethiopian coffee, with exports reaching 9,500 tonnes worth USD 65.49 million this fiscal year, nearly seven times higher than last year, according to the Ethiopian Coffee and Tea Authority.

Source: Xinhua