• Midroc, NKG partner to elevate global reach
ADDIS ABABA – The Ethiopian Coffee and Tea Authority (ECTA) announced that collaboration with internationally experienced companies will bring a significant boost to Ethiopia’s coffee production and quality.
ECTA’s Director General, Adugna Debela (PhD), made this statement following the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Midroc Investment Group (MIG) and Neumann Kaffee Gruppe (NKG). The partnership aims to foster trust, increase productivity, and raise the profile of Ethiopian coffee on the global stage.
Adugna emphasized that the agreement is a promising step for both coffee producers and buyers, reinforcing Ethiopia’s commitment to quality and traceability. He noted that partnerships like this will help showcase Ethiopian coffee as a high-value product in international markets. According Adugna, the MoU reflects ECTA’s dedication to building trust in the industry, enhancing production practices, and setting an example for coffee trade relationships worldwide.
MIG’s CEO, Jemal Ahmed, highlighted that NKG’s established expertise in global coffee quality standards will play a vital role in advancing Ethiopia’s coffee sector. NKG has provided valuable support to Ethiopian coffee associations and invested in local initiatives, leveraging its experience in countries like Brazil, where it manages over 25 quintals per hectare. With a presence in 30 countries, NKG brings a wealth of knowledge in producing and marketing coffee internationally.
NKG’s CEO, David M. Neumann, expressed his enthusiasm for the agreement, describing it as a critical step in strengthening Ethiopia’s role in the global coffee market. He emphasized that Ethiopian coffee is evolving, with the sector witnessing substantial growth and development. The three-to-five-year partnership will build trust and cooperation, with possibilities for future extensions to promote Ethiopian coffee even further.
The partnership draws on NKG’s German-based expertise in technology, marketing, and productivity, complementing Midroc’s longstanding agricultural ventures across Ethiopia. The collaboration is expected to set new standards for Ethiopian coffee, reinforcing its reputation and expanding its reach in the global market.
BY MESERET BEHAILU
THE ETHIOPIAN HERALD FRIDAY 8 NOVEMBER 2024
