The Ethiopian harvest is underway, and with it comes a season of exceptional coffees sourced with our local green buyer, Adham. This year, planning and maintaining close relationships with trusted suppliers will be key to securing the best lots, especially in a season with lower yields and continuous shifting market dynamics.
This harvest is running later than usual and overall volumes are down, something we typically see every second year in Ethiopia. Red cherry prices have increased, more than doubled compared to last season and we anticipate FOB prices will be around $1-$1.50 per pound higher, depending on quality and availability. With availability tighter, some farmers are choosing to process the red cherries themselves instead of delivering them to the nearest stations. This has led to more coffee being home dried by the farmer, which in turn has reduced the volume of washed coffees available early in the season.
Our focus remains on sourcing from controlled washing stations and long-term export partners who actively manage quality from cherry intake through to export. For the first time this season, some producers have been pre-financed by exporters, adding more structure and stability to the supply chain. We’re working with 12 trusted suppliers this season, following coffees closely from washing station to export preparation, and paying prices that support exporter stability in a tighter market.
Buying larger volumes on FWD or FOB
If you buy full-container loads on FOB terms, we handle sourcing and procurement at origin, shipping directly to your port. For roasters purchasing our Ethiopian lots, timing is crucial this season. Washed coffees are moving faster than usual due to limited availability, with FOB shipments expected between February and March. Grade 2 washed coffees are particularly scarce and are often priced at levels comparable to Grade 1. Start conversations with our team early to align on volumes and profiles to ensure access to the right coffees before availability tightens further.
Natural coffees follow a more familiar schedule, with FOB shipments expected from March through April. January is the latest point to secure FOB volumes for both washed and natural coffees. After that, availability becomes increasingly limited, especially for specific regions or quality profiles.
Logistics remain stable. Container availability and bookings are running smoothly, and we’re not seeing shipment delays for FOB contracts. The main constraints this season are the volume of washed coffees and higher prices compared to last year, not shipping, so early commitment is the best way to secure top lots and favourable pricing.
If you want more tips on what to consider when buying coffee on FWD or FOB terms, read this article with our logistics coordinator, Hanna Wille.
Buying your coffee all inclusive on SPOT
The coffee is in the warehouse, ready to go. All sourcing, transport, finance, planning, and risk have already gone into this bag of coffee. For roasters buying SPOT from our Belgium warehouse, washed coffees are expected to start arriving from February, though volumes will be tighter than usual. Naturals are expected to follow from March onwards, though timing may shift slightly depending on shipping and arrival conditions.
Because the best coffees are moving early at origin, SPOT availability will be more selective this year. Flexibility around grade, region, or processing will help, and staying close to our offers will be key as coffees land.
Green Buyers Advice from Ethiopia
Adham says “This season is complex, but quality is strong. Starting early, coordinating closely, and staying present at origin lets us secure exceptional Ethiopian coffees, even in a tight market.” and he adds, “If Ethiopia is on your sourcing plans, now’s the time to connect with our team about volumes, timelines, cuppings and the coffees that fit your needs.”
If you want to know more about Ethiopian coffees and talk to the team directly, then our cupping events remain one of the best ways to navigate the season. They allow you to taste pre-shipment samples and plan purchases with confidence before coffees arrive in Europe. Join us for our biggest events, the upcoming Spring Cupping in London and Oslo.
