Ethiopian coffee is world-renowned for its extraordinary quality. Thanks to unique climate, biodiversity, and centuries of tradition, Ethiopia is home to the most diverse coffee varieties in the world.
Discover the remarkable journey of coffee from its Ethiopian origins to becoming a global phenomenon.
According to legend, a goat herder named Kaldi discovered coffee when he noticed his goats becoming energetic after eating certain berries. This marked the beginning of coffee’s journey.
The word ‘coffee’ likely originates from the Ethiopian region of Kaffa, where wild coffee plants grew abundantly in the highland forests.
Ethiopian coffee began to be exported to Yemen and other parts of the Arab world, spreading the appreciation for this unique beverage across continents.
After being banned by the church for a period, coffee was officially embraced under Emperor Menelik II, who recognized its cultural and economic importance.
The story of Ethiopian coffee is deeply intertwined with the country’s cultural identity. What began as a local discovery has become Ethiopia’s most important export, connecting the nation to the global economy while preserving ancient traditions.
Today, Ethiopia remains the largest coffee producer in Africa and continues to be home to the most genetically diverse coffee varieties in the world, making it an invaluable source for the global coffee industry.
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