The Ethiopian government and Starbucks have held high-level discussions aimed at strengthening their long-standing partnership and expanding the global presence of Ethiopian coffee.

Minister of Agriculture Addisu Arega met with Starbucks Vice President Roberto Vega Alonso to explore ways of ensuring a reliable supply of specialty coffee and increasing the share of Ethiopian beans used in Starbucks products worldwide.

Following the meeting, Minister Addisu stated that both sides reached a shared understanding to enhance Ethiopia’s role in Starbucks’ global supply chain. He noted that Starbucks reaffirmed its commitment to support smallholder coffee farmers through improved productivity and sustainable practices.

Starbucks, the world’s largest specialty coffee buyer, has been sourcing Ethiopian coffee for nearly two decades. Reports indicate that its coffee purchases from Ethiopia rose by about 400 percent after the company signed cooperation agreements with Ethiopian stakeholders. The brand periodically features single-origin Ethiopian coffee in its global outlets, highlighting Ethiopia’s coffee heritage and traditional brewing culture.

Ethiopia remains one of the world’s top coffee producers, with over five million households depending on the crop for their livelihoods. Officials say continued international partnerships will be key to boosting exports and securing better returns for farmers.

Source (including image): Ethiopian News Agency