Birthplace of Arabica
Ethiopia is where Coffea Arabica originated. Wild coffee still grows in the highland forests of Kaffa, Jimma, and Illubabor - the genetic cradle of all the world's Arabica coffee.
Direct from Ethiopia's Highlands
Ethiopian Green Coffee Beans
Ethiopian green coffee beans are the world's most sought-after unroasted Arabica, prized by specialty roasters for their extraordinary floral, fruity, and wine-like complexity. As a family-owned, licensed Ethiopian coffee exporter backed by 30+ years of sourcing heritage, we ship SCA 80+ scored green beans directly from origin to roasters, importers, and distributors in 40+ countries worldwide.
Whether you're sourcing single-origin lots for your roastery or commercial-grade greens for blending, we supply fully traceable Ethiopian green coffee beans in Grade 1 through Grade 5, shipped FOB Djibouti or FCA Addis Ababa dry port.
Why Ethiopian Green Coffee Beans?
Ethiopia is the birthplace of Arabica coffee. With over 10,000 indigenous heirloom varieties, unmatched genetic diversity, and centuries of cultivation heritage, Ethiopian green coffee beans offer flavour profiles impossible to replicate anywhere else on earth.
10,000+ Heirloom Varieties
Ethiopian coffee forests contain more genetic diversity than all other producing countries combined. This diversity creates the complex, multi-layered flavour profiles that specialty roasters prize.
Altitude: 1,400–2,300m
Ethiopian coffee grows at some of the highest elevations in the world. High altitude means slower cherry maturation, denser beans, more complex sugars, and brighter acidity in the cup.
Washed, Natural & Honey
Ethiopian exporters offer all three major processing methods. Washed for clarity and florals, natural for fruit intensity and body, honey for balanced sweetness - each creating distinct cup profiles.
SCA 80–89+ Scores
Ethiopian green coffees routinely score among the highest globally. Yirgacheffe, Guji, and Sidamo regularly appear in Cup of Excellence and Taste of Harvest competitions. Learn more about how scoring works in our Ethiopian coffee grading guide.
Traceable & Transparent
We provide full traceability for every shipment: washing station or farm ID, lot number, harvest period, altitude, processing method, and SCA cupping reports. At our own drying station in Guji Hambella, we have hands-on control from cherry intake through export.
Ethiopian Green Coffee by Origin
Every Ethiopian coffee origin produces a distinctly different cup. Here's how they compare. For more detail, read our guide to Ethiopian coffee origins or see our grading system explained.
GradeGrade 1 & 2
ProcessingWashed & Natural
Flavour NotesJasmine, bergamot, lemon, black tea, honey
BodyLight, silky, tea-like
Best ForPour-over, filter, light-roast single origin
GradeGrade 1 & 2
ProcessingWashed & Natural
Flavour NotesBlueberry, strawberry, wine, dark chocolate, brown sugar
BodyMedium, syrupy
Best ForSingle-origin espresso, cold brew, filter
GradeGrade 1 & 2
ProcessingWashed, Natural & Honey
Flavour NotesPeach, apricot, jasmine, honeysuckle, tropical
BodyHeavy, syrupy, complex
Best ForCompetition-level roasts, high-end single origin
GradeGrade 1 & 4
ProcessingNatural (Dry-processed)
Flavour NotesDried fruit, wine, dark chocolate, spice, mocha
BodyFull, bold, rustic
Best ForEspresso blends, mocha-style brewing, traditional roasts
GradeGrade 2 & 3
ProcessingWashed
Flavour NotesLemon, grapefruit, wine, raw sugar, spice
BodyMedium, balanced
Best ForVersatile blending, approachable single origin
GradeGrade 2 & 3
ProcessingWashed & Natural
Flavour NotesMango, papaya, cocoa, brown sugar, tropical fruit
BodyMedium-full, smooth, velvety
Best ForUnique single origin, fruit-forward blends
How We Export Ethiopian Green Coffee Beans
From cherry to container, here's how your Ethiopian green coffee beans move from our origin to your roastery.
01
Sourcing & Cupping
In Guji Hambella, we collect cherry directly from smallholder farmers and process it at our own drying station. For other key origins like Yirgacheffe, Sidamo, Harar, Limu, and Lekempti, we source through trusted cooperatives and washing stations we have worked with for decades. Every lot is cupped on SCA protocol by certified Q-graders.
02
Processing & Preparation
Green beans are processed (washed, natural, or honey), hulled, sorted, and graded per Ethiopian Commodity Exchange (ECX) and International Coffee Organization (ICO) standards. Defect count verified.
03
Packaging & Storage
Packed in 60kg jute bags with GrainPro hermetic liners. Stored in climate-controlled warehouses in Addis Ababa until shipping. Moisture and water activity monitored.
04
Shipping FOB Djibouti
Full export documentation (ICO certificate, phytosanitary, certificate of origin, cupping report) prepared. Shipped via Djibouti port FOB for ocean freight or FCA Addis Ababa dry port for air freight.
Frequently Asked Questions About Ethiopian Green Coffee Beans
What are Ethiopian green coffee beans?
Ethiopian green coffee beans are raw, unroasted Arabica coffee beans exported from Ethiopia - the birthplace and genetic origin of all the world's Arabica coffee. They are shipped in their natural green state to roasters, importers, and traders worldwide, who roast them into finished coffee products. Ethiopian greens are uniquely prized for their complex floral, fruity, and wine-like flavour profiles that cannot be replicated from any other origin. At Ethio Coffee Export, we source these beans through our own drying station in Guji Hambella and trusted cooperatives across all major origins, drawing on 30+ years of family expertise in Ethiopian coffee.
What grades are Ethiopian green coffee beans available in?
Ethiopian green coffee is graded from Grade 1 (highest specialty quality, 0-3 defects per 300g sample) through Grade 5. Most specialty-grade coffee falls in Grade 1-2 with SCA cup scores of 80+. Commercial exports are typically Grade 3-5. The grading system evaluates bean size, defect count, and cup quality under SCA cupping protocol.
How much do Ethiopian green coffee beans cost?
Specialty-grade Ethiopian green coffee beans typically range from $9 to $13 per kilogram ($4 to $6 per pound) FOB Djibouti for Grade 1-2 lots scoring SCA 80+. Commercial grades (Grade 3-5) are lower. Prices vary by origin, grade, processing method, season, and current demand. Contact us directly for current crop pricing and availability.
What is the minimum order quantity?
Standard minimum orders are one full container load (FCL) of approximately 275-320 bags at 60kg each (~20 metric tons / 44,000 lbs). You can mix origins and grades to fill a container. LCL (less than container load) is possible but rarely recommended due to higher per-kg cost and added handling risk. We also offer 300g evaluation samples at a nominal cost that you can purchase directly from any product page via PayPal, with DHL Express shipping calculated at checkout.
Which Ethiopian green coffee is best for espresso?
Natural-processed Sidamo and Guji coffees are excellent espresso choices due to their full body, berry sweetness, and chocolate undertones. Washed Yirgacheffe also performs brilliantly as a bright, floral single-origin espresso. Many roasters blend Ethiopian greens with Brazilian or Colombian coffees for balanced espresso profiles with Ethiopian complexity.
How are Ethiopian green coffee beans shipped?
Ethiopian green coffee beans are exported in 60kg jute bags with GrainPro hermetic liners to preserve freshness during transit. Shipping is typically FOB Djibouti (Ethiopia's nearest export port, approximately 900 km from Addis Ababa) for ocean freight or FCA Addis Ababa dry port for air freight where the buyer arranges carriage. Transit times: 2-3 weeks to Middle East, 4-5 weeks to Europe, 6-8 weeks to North America and East Asia. Total time from contract to warehouse is typically 8-14 weeks depending on destination.
Ready to Source Ethiopian Green Coffee Beans?
Buy 300g evaluation samples via PayPal from any product page, get current pricing, or discuss your sourcing needs. We respond within 24 hours.