ADDIS ABABA – The Ethiopian Coffee and Tea Authority has lauded a recent workshop as a crucial platform for exchanging experiences and knowledge to enhance the country’s coffee sector and strengthen its competitive position in the global market.
The workshop, which recently brought together coffee growers and suppliers in Jimma, South West Ethiopia, facilitated direct linkages between manufacturers and suppliers, according to Adugna Debela, Director-General of the Ethiopian Coffee and Tea Authority.
Debela highlighted the importance of the workshop in addressing the new coffee policies introduced by the European Union (EU).
Jimma Zone Administrator Tijali Nasir, noted that over 500 farmers, in addition to investors, are directly involved in the coffee sector in the state.
Representing Kerchanshe Trading Belayneh Gizaw emphasized the company’s production of high-quality coffee and its exports of value-added coffee with diverse flavors to the international market, including orange, banana, pineapple, and cinnamon. Gizaw also highlighted the use of various fermentation techniques, such as alcoholic and carbonic, to cater to customer preferences.
Selamawit Mekonen from Elu Ababora Yayo District emphasized the workshop’s role in fostering vertical integration between coffee growers and suppliers.
She noted that the workshop not only presented new opportunities but also contributed to reducing the influence of illegal brokers, a significant challenge in the coffee sector. She explained that previously, coffee growers faced difficulties in generating adequate income due to the long and often exploitative chains of brokers.
The workshop featured exhibitions by local and international participants showcasing their products and introducing the latest technologies in the coffee sector.
Ethiopia is actively working to generate two billion USD from coffee exports this year.
BY BETELHEM BEDLU
THE ETHIOPIAN HERALD TUESDAY 31 DECEMBER 2024
