Ethiopian Coffee Origin
Jimma (Djimmah) Coffee Beans
Ethiopia's commercial coffee powerhouse - consistent, full-bodied, and blend-friendly. Large-volume availability with the reliability that major buyers demand.
Region
Jimma Zone, Oromia (SW)
Altitude
1,400 – 1,800 masl
Cup Score
SCA 78 – 82
Processing
Natural & Washed
What Is Jimma Coffee?
Jimma (internationally known as Djimmah or Djimma) is Ethiopia's largest coffee-producing zone and the country's primary source of commercial-grade coffee. Located in the southwestern Oromia region at altitudes of 1,400 to 1,800 meters, Jimma has been at the center of Ethiopian coffee production for centuries - the city of Jimma was historically one of the most important coffee trading centers in the Horn of Africa.
Jimma coffee is valued for its consistency, volume availability, and blend-friendly character. With an earthy, full-bodied profile, low acidity, and dark chocolate undertones, Jimma serves as the reliable backbone of countless international espresso blends, commercial roasts, and instant coffee products. According to the International Coffee Organization (ICO), Ethiopia is Africa's largest coffee producer, and Jimma accounts for a significant share of that output.
While typically classified as commercial grade (Grade 4 and 5), well-sorted Jimma Grade 4 lots can approach specialty territory, scoring 80-82 on the SCA scale. Learn more about how these grades are determined in our Ethiopian coffee grading guide. For cost-conscious buyers who need Ethiopian origin character at competitive prices, Jimma is unmatched. See our FOB pricing guide for current benchmarks.
Jimma Flavor Profile
Natural Jimma
Classic Ethiopian commercial character.
- Aroma: Earthy, cocoa, dried fruit, grain
- Flavor: Dark chocolate, tobacco, brown sugar, mild berry
- Acidity: Low, smooth
- Body: Full, heavy, dense
- Finish: Clean, earthy, warm
- SCA Score: Typically 78 – 81
Washed Jimma
Cleaner cup with more definition.
- Aroma: Grain, mild nuts, cocoa
- Flavor: Dark chocolate, walnut, mild spice, caramel
- Acidity: Low-medium, round
- Body: Medium-full, smooth
- Finish: Clean, nutty, short-to-medium
- SCA Score: Typically 79 – 82
Best Uses: Espresso blend base, commercial roast, instant coffee production, French press, Turkish coffee. Jimma's neutral-to-chocolatey character and full body make it the ultimate blending coffee.
Jimma Coffee Growing Areas
The Jimma zone encompasses a vast area of southwestern Ethiopia with numerous coffee-producing woredas (districts) contributing to the region's enormous output.
Jimma City Surrounds
1,400–1,700m
The historic center of Ethiopian coffee trading. Consistent, well-established supply chains with reliable quality from generation-old growing areas.
Agaro
1,500–1,800m
Higher-altitude area with cleaner, more complex cups. Agaro Grade 4 lots sometimes reach specialty scores. Growing specialty market interest.
Gomma
1,500–1,800m
Overlaps with Limu growing areas. Forest-shaded production with slightly more complexity. Good source for top-tier Jimma lots.
Kersa
1,400–1,700m
Large production area with consistent commercial-grade output. Key source for high-volume export programs.
Seka Chekorsa
1,400–1,600m
Major natural-processed Jimma production center. Full-bodied, earthy coffees ideal for espresso and blend applications.
Shebe Sombo
1,500–1,800m
Well-organized cooperative production with improving quality standards. Potential for Grade 4 lots with specialty-adjacent scores.
Jimma Export Specifications
| Specification | Grade 4 | Grade 5 |
|---|---|---|
| SCA Cup Score | 80 – 82 | 78 – 80 |
| Defect Count (per 300g) | 26 – 45 defects | 46 – 100 defects |
| Screen Size | 14 – 16 | 13 – 15 |
| Moisture Content | 10 – 12% | 10 – 12% |
| Processing | Natural & Washed | Natural & Washed |
| Packaging | 60kg jute bags | 60kg jute bags |
| Incoterms | FOB Djibouti / CIF | FOB Djibouti / CIF |
| Harvest Season | October – January | October – January |
Why Source Jimma from Ethio Coffee?
High-Volume Supply
Jimma is Ethiopia's largest producing region. We can fulfill multi-container programs - 5, 10, or 20+ FCLs per season - with consistent quality and reliable delivery schedules.
Competitive Pricing
Jimma offers the most competitive FOB pricing among Ethiopian origins. Ideal for budget-conscious import programs, commercial blends, and institutional buyers.
Consistency Guaranteed
We maintain strict quality standards even at commercial grades. Every Jimma lot is cupped and graded before offer. Reject rates are minimal because we pre-screen rigorously.
Blend Base Expertise
Our team can help you select the ideal Jimma lot for your blend profile - whether dark espresso, medium roast, or instant coffee. We understand what works for each market segment.
Jimma for Commercial & Blend Programs
Espresso Blends
Jimma's full body, low acidity, and chocolate character make it a top choice as an espresso blend base. Pair with brighter origins for complexity.
Instant Coffee
Major instant coffee producers worldwide use Jimma for its clean, consistent extraction properties and neutral-to-chocolatey flavor that performs well in soluble form.
Commercial Roasts
Supermarket brands, food service, and HORECA buyers choose Jimma for its reliable cup quality, competitive pricing, and year-round supply availability.
Frequently Asked Questions About Jimma Coffee
What does Jimma coffee taste like?
Jimma has earthy, full-bodied character with dark chocolate, tobacco, grain, and mild spice notes. Low acidity and a heavy body. Natural Jimma is earthier; washed is cleaner with more definition. It's not as complex as Yirgacheffe or Guji but delivers consistent, reliable flavor.
Is Jimma coffee specialty grade?
Most Jimma is commercial grade (Grade 4 and 5, SCA 78-82). However, well-sorted Grade 4 lots from areas like Agaro can reach 80-82 SCA - approaching specialty territory. For buyers needing Ethiopian specialty, we recommend Yirgacheffe, Guji, or Sidamo instead.
What is the difference between Jimma and Limu?
Both are southwestern origins, but Limu is washed at higher altitudes (1,400-2,000m) with a cleaner, wine-toned profile scoring 82-85 SCA. Jimma is lower altitude (1,400-1,800m), predominantly natural, and more earthy/commercial. Limu is specialty; Jimma is commercial.
How much does Jimma coffee cost FOB?
Grade 5 natural: $2.00–$2.80/lb FOB Djibouti. Grade 4: $2.50–$3.20/lb. Jimma is Ethiopia's most price-competitive origin. Volume discounts available for multi-container programs. Contact us for current pricing.
What is the minimum order?
Standard minimum is one FCL (≈19.2 MT, 320 × 60kg bags). For Jimma, we welcome and encourage multi-container orders with volume pricing. Year-round supply contracts available.
Ready to Source Jimma Coffee?
Get competitive pricing for commercial volumes, request samples, or discuss year-round supply contracts with our export team.