Sidama Crown Auction Reaches $71.75 per Kilogram

Strong Bidding for Sidama Microlots

The 2026 Sidama Crown Coffee Auction closed on August 5 after three days of online bidding. The auction recorded 433 bids, generated $22,570 in total value, and achieved a weighted average price of $53.74 per kilogram across its curated highland coffees.

The highest-priced coffee was Bekalcho Natural Murago from Basha Bekele. Coffee Bean Supplies purchased the 20-kilogram lot for $71.75 per kilogram, giving the lot a total value of $1,435. A second Murago coffee, Balache Anaerobic Honey, reached $71 per kilogram and was purchased by Ingenuity Coffee.

Processing Diversity Attracts International Buyers

Results across the catalogue show demand for both classic and experimental profiles. Hirbora Washed Sengota sold for $64.50 per kilogram, while Bode Anaerobic Natural Gonjobe reached $64. Other featured lots used natural, honey, anaerobic, and cold-fermentation methods, giving buyers a broad view of the processing work now taking place in Sidama.

Winning buyers listed on the auction platform came from several markets and included specialist coffee companies in Asia and Europe. This international participation gives producers and exporters a direct route to buyers seeking distinctive, small-volume coffees with clear lot identities.

What the Results Mean for Green Coffee Buyers

Private-auction prices should not be treated as a benchmark for container-scale Ethiopian coffee. The lots are small, highly selected, and marketed for rarity. They do, however, show the premiums available when cup quality, processing, producer identity, and traceability are presented together.

Roasters seeking larger or repeatable volumes can use auction results as a discovery signal, then discuss regional profiles, grades, processing methods, and shipment requirements with an established Ethiopian coffee exporter. Buyers can also review available Ethiopian green coffee beans before requesting samples.