Question 1

What Ethiopian coffee origins do you export?

Accepted Answer

We export specialty-grade lots from Guji, Yirgacheffe, Sidama, Limu, Harrar, and Kaffa. Each origin has distinct terroir and flavour characteristics. Guji and Yirgacheffe are our most requested origins by USA and European buyers.

Question 2

What SCA scores do your lots typically achieve?

Accepted Answer

Our specialty lots typically score between 84 and 92 points on the SCA (Specialty Coffee Association) scale, assessed by independent licensed Q-graders. All scores are published with each lot.

Question 3

Are your lots organically certified?

Accepted Answer

Yes, we have access to Organic certified lots (USDA Organic and EU Organic) from selected regions. Organic availability varies by harvest season. Please specify if organic certification is a requirement when requesting a sample.

Question 4

What processing methods are available?

Accepted Answer

We offer washed (wet process), natural (dry process), honey process, and anaerobic process lots, depending on the region and season. Washed and natural are available from all major origins. Anaerobic and honey lots are available as specialty-tier items.

Question 5

What does Grade 1 Ethiopian coffee mean?

Accepted Answer

Ethiopian coffee is graded from 1 to 9 by the Ethiopian Commodity Exchange (ECX). Grade 1 is the highest quality, allowing a maximum of 3 defects per 300g sample. All our specialty lots are Grade 1 or Grade 2 (maximum 4–12 defects). Grade 1 lots are the benchmark for specialty buyers worldwide.

Question 6

Which Ethiopian origins are best for espresso?

Accepted Answer

Sidama and Guji naturals are excellent for espresso — they deliver heavy body, fruit-forward sweetness, and chocolate undertones that perform well under pressure. Yirgacheffe washed lots also make outstanding single-origin espressos with bright acidity and floral complexity.

Question 7

Which Ethiopian origins are best for filter coffee?

Accepted Answer

Yirgacheffe washed lots are the classic choice for filter — clean, complex, with jasmine and citrus notes. Guji washed lots offer similar clarity with more stone-fruit character. For filter roasters seeking variety, Limu provides a softer, wine-like alternative.

Question 8

How do Ethiopian coffee origins compare to each other?

Accepted Answer

Guji: floral, stone-fruit, complex. Yirgacheffe: jasmine, bergamot, citric brightness. Sidama: balanced, citrus, brown sugar. Harrar: wild berry, wine-like, heavy body. Limu: balanced, mild, spice notes. Kaffa: full-bodied, earthy, wild forest character. Each origin suits different roast profiles and brewing methods.

Question 9

How do I request a sample?

Accepted Answer

Complete our sample request form at ethiopian-coffee-export.com/request-sample. Include your company details, origin preferences, and monthly volume. We confirm within 24 hours and dispatch within 3 business days.

Question 10

What is the minimum order quantity?

Accepted Answer

For first orders and sampling, we can supply from 1 bag (60 kg). Commercial shipments typically start from 10 bags (600 kg). Container loads (18–20 MT) are available for high-volume buyers.

Question 11

What incoterms do you offer?

Accepted Answer

We offer FOB Djibouti as our standard term. CIF to major ports (Rotterdam, Hamburg, Felixstowe, New York, Dubai) can be arranged for buyers who prefer landed pricing.

Question 12

What currencies do you trade in?

Accepted Answer

We invoice in USD. EUR invoicing is available for European buyers on request.

Question 13

What payment terms do you offer?

Accepted Answer

Standard terms are 30% T/T deposit against proforma invoice, 70% T/T against shipping documents or Letter of Credit. For established buyers, extended terms can be discussed.

Question 14

How long does sample delivery take?

Accepted Answer

Samples are dispatched within 3 business days of confirmation. Delivery to the USA typically takes 5–7 business days via DHL/FedEx. European delivery is 3–5 business days. Middle East and Asia delivery is 4–7 business days. All samples are sent with tracking.

Question 15

What happens after I approve a sample?

Accepted Answer

Once you approve a sample, we issue a proforma invoice with confirmed pricing, lot specifications, and delivery timeline. Upon receipt of deposit, we begin export preparation — including milling, grading, and documentation. You'll receive shipping updates throughout the process.

Question 16

Can I visit your washing stations or farms?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We welcome buyer visits and can arrange origin trips to our partner washing stations and farms in Guji, Yirgacheffe, Sidama, and other regions. Visits are best scheduled during harvest season (October–January) for the full experience. Contact us at least 4 weeks in advance to arrange logistics.

Question 17

Can I reserve lots before the harvest is complete?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We offer pre-harvest reservations for established buyers based on regional profiles and historical quality data. Contact us to discuss forward contracts and early-bird pricing.

Question 18

What traceability documentation do you provide?

Accepted Answer

Every lot comes with: farm or washing station name and GPS coordinates, harvest date and lot ID, processing method record, altitude data, and SCA cupping score from an independent Q-grader.

Question 19

Are you EUDR compliant?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We provide geo-referenced GPS coordinates for all farms and washing stations, deforestation-free declarations, and full due diligence documentation packages that satisfy EUDR (Regulation 2023/1115) requirements for EU importers.

Question 20

Do you have Fairtrade certification?

Accepted Answer

Fairtrade-certified lots are available from selected cooperatives. Availability varies by origin and season. Please ask when requesting a sample if Fairtrade certification is required.

Question 21

Do you provide Rainforest Alliance certified coffee?

Accepted Answer

Rainforest Alliance certified lots are available from select cooperatives in Sidama and Yirgacheffe. Certification availability depends on the cooperative's current status. We can confirm availability for your specific requirements.

Question 22

How does the Ethiopian Commodity Exchange (ECX) work?

Accepted Answer

The ECX is Ethiopia's centralized commodity trading platform. Most commercial-grade coffee passes through the ECX, where it is graded, warehoused, and auctioned. However, specialty-grade and traceable lots from cooperatives and private washing stations can be exported directly — bypassing the ECX — which preserves full traceability from farm to buyer. All our specialty lots use the direct export channel.

Question 23

How long does shipping take from Ethiopia to Europe?

Accepted Answer

Transit from Djibouti to European ports is approximately 18–25 days by sea. From order confirmation to vessel loading typically takes 4–6 weeks, making total lead time approximately 8–12 weeks.

Question 24

How long does shipping take to the USA?

Accepted Answer

Transit from Djibouti to US East Coast ports is approximately 25–35 days. Total lead time from order to delivery is approximately 10–14 weeks.

Question 25

How is green coffee packaged?

Accepted Answer

Green coffee is packed in 60 kg GrainPro-lined jute bags. Other bag sizes (30 kg, 70 kg) are available on request. All packaging is export-standard and moisture-protected.

Question 26

Do you handle export documentation?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We handle all Ethiopian export documentation including ECX clearance, phytosanitary certificate, certificate of origin, ICO certificate, and commercial invoice. For EUDR compliance, we provide the full due diligence documentation package.

Question 27

Which port does Ethiopian coffee ship from?

Accepted Answer

Ethiopian coffee is exported through the Port of Djibouti, which is the primary maritime gateway for Ethiopian goods. The port is well-connected to major global shipping lines serving Europe, North America, the Middle East, and Asia.

Question 28

Can you ship to any country?

Accepted Answer

We ship to all major coffee-importing countries worldwide. Our most common destinations include the USA, Germany, the Netherlands, the UK, Japan, South Korea, Australia, and the UAE. If your country is not listed, contact us — we can likely arrange shipment.

Question 29

How is Ethiopian green coffee priced?

Accepted Answer

Specialty-grade Ethiopian lots are typically priced as a differential above the ICE Coffee C (Arabica) futures price. Exact differentials depend on origin, processing method, SCA score, and lot traceability level. We provide firm pricing on request after sample approval.

Question 30

Do you provide FOB pricing or only CIF?

Accepted Answer

We provide both. Our standard is FOB Djibouti. CIF to major ports can be arranged. FOB pricing allows buyers to manage their own freight and insurance costs.

Question 31

Can I get a price list?

Accepted Answer

Our pricing is lot-specific and market-linked. Please request our current availability and pricing list — we'll send you a current list of available lots with specifications and indicative pricing.

Question 32

Do prices change during the season?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Prices are influenced by the ICE Coffee C futures market, supply and demand dynamics, and lot scarcity. Prices are typically most competitive during and shortly after harvest (January–March). As stocks diminish later in the season, differentials tend to increase for popular origins.

Question 33

What is the shelf life of green coffee?

Accepted Answer

Green Arabica coffee, properly stored, retains its peak quality for 12–18 months after harvest. GrainPro packaging extends freshness by protecting against moisture and oxygen. We recommend using lots within 12 months of arrival for optimal cup quality.

Question 34

How should I store green coffee after delivery?

Accepted Answer

Store green coffee in a cool (15–20°C), dry environment away from direct sunlight and strong odours. Keep bags sealed in their GrainPro liners until ready for roasting. Maintain relative humidity below 60%. Avoid storing near walls or on bare concrete floors — use pallets for air circulation.

Question 35

What moisture content do your lots ship at?

Accepted Answer

Our lots ship at 10–12% moisture content, which is the internationally accepted range for specialty green coffee. Moisture readings are included in the lot documentation. Consistent moisture ensures stable cup quality and minimises risk of mould during transit.

Question 36

Do you provide pre-shipment samples?

Accepted Answer

Yes. For all commercial orders, we provide a pre-shipment sample (PSS) drawn from the final milled lot before loading. The PSS allows you to confirm quality matches the original approval sample before the shipment departs.

Question 37

When does the Ethiopian coffee harvest happen?

Accepted Answer

The main Ethiopian coffee harvest runs from October through January, depending on the region and altitude. Higher-altitude areas like Guji typically harvest later (November–January), while Harrar begins as early as October. New crop lots become available from January/February onwards.

Question 38

What is the Ethiopian coffee crop year?

Accepted Answer

The Ethiopian coffee crop year runs from October to September. The current crop year is designated 2024/2025, meaning cherries harvested from October 2024 through January 2025.

Question 39

When are new Ethiopian crop lots available to buy?

Accepted Answer

New crop lots typically become available 4–8 weeks after harvest, once processing, drying, milling, and quality control are complete. For most regions, this means February onwards for the current season.

Question 40

How does harvest season affect green coffee prices?

Accepted Answer

Prices are typically most competitive during and shortly after harvest when supply is highest. As the season progresses and stocks diminish, prices for popular lots tend to increase. Booking early ensures better pricing and lot selection.

Question 41

How do I import green coffee to the EU?

Accepted Answer

To import green coffee into the EU you need: an EORI number (Economic Operators Registration and Identification), compliance with EU food safety regulations, EUDR due diligence documentation (from December 2025), and standard customs declarations. We provide all origin-side documentation. We recommend working with a licensed customs broker at your destination port for smooth clearance.

Question 42

How do I import green coffee to the USA?

Accepted Answer

Importing green coffee to the USA requires registration with the FDA as a food facility, compliance with FSVP (Foreign Supplier Verification Program), and standard customs entry. Green coffee enters the US duty-free. We provide all origin-side documentation including phytosanitary certificate and ICO certificate of origin.

Question 43

Is there import duty on Ethiopian coffee?

Accepted Answer

Green coffee enters many major markets duty-free or at very low rates. The USA charges zero duty on green coffee imports. The EU applies zero duty under the Everything But Arms (EBA) trade preference for Least Developed Countries, which includes Ethiopia. Check with your customs broker for your specific market.

Question 44

Do I need a coffee import license?

Accepted Answer

Requirements vary by country. In the USA, no specific coffee import license is required, but FDA registration and FSVP compliance are mandatory. In the EU, an EORI number and food business registration are required. In the UK, you need an EORI and food business registration. We recommend consulting a local customs broker for your market's specific requirements.

Question 45

How do I get notified when new lots are available?

Accepted Answer

Subscribe to our harvest updates at ethiopian-coffee-export.com/harvest. We send notifications as soon as new lots clear quality control, including cupping notes, SCA scores, and available volumes.

Ethiopian Coffee Export FAQ

About Our Coffee

Buying Process

Traceability & Certifications

Logistics & Shipping

Pricing & Terms

Green Coffee Storage & Quality

Harvest & Seasonality

Importing to Europe & USA

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