Liu Tai YanG
Exclusive with the 2024 Roaster World Champion!
Highlights of the month at a glance!
a month in review tour de coffee
Tour de Coffee: Celebrating Ethiopia ’ s Coffee Heritage
L ast month, Visit Oromia and Kerchanshe Coffee joined forces to host the remarkable Tour de Coffee event in Jimma, celebrating Ethiopia ’ s proud coffee heritage. As a key partner, Kerchanshe Coffee played a central role in bringing together coffee enthusiasts, professionals, and tourists to explore the birthplace of coffee.
The event offered participants an immersive journey through Ethiopia ’ s famed coffee trails in Jimma, Buno Bedelle, and Ilubabor. Along the way, they experienced the rich cultural and historical significance of coffee production while enjoying the scenic beauty of the region. A special highlight of the event was the screening of The Rise of Espresso, a documentary by Accademia del Caff è Espresso, which showcased the transformation of espresso from its Ethiopian origins to a global phenomenon.
“ This event allowed us to promote not only our coffee culture but also sustainable tourism practices that benefit local communities, ” said Lelise Dhugaa, Commissioner of the Oromia Tourism Commission.
“ This initiative deepens the connection between coffee lovers worldwide while celebrating Ethiopia as the Land of Origins, ” added Giada Blondi, Global Cultural and Communication Director at La Marzocco, a participating partner.
Kerchanshe Coffee is proud to have been a part of this significant event, reinforcing Ethiopia ’ s status as a global coffee leader and fostering stronger partnerships for coffee tourism.
Highlights of the month at a glance!
a month in review arabica prices drop
Coffee Market Update: A Look Back at January ’ s Trends
L ast month, the global coffee market experienced a significant shift, with Arabica prices dropping to 318.50 c/lb by January 10, down from December's peak of 350 c/lb. This decline reflected various market dynamics and had wide - reaching implications for coffee - producing regions worldwide.
Key Highlights from January
Price Drop Explained: The decrease in Arabica prices was driven by annual index fund rebalancing, seasonal adjustments from strong production in Brazil and Colombia, and rising certified stocks, which reached 980,000 bags by the end of the month.
Impact on Producers:
Ethiopia: Exporters of specialty coffees like Yirgacheffe faced challenges as lower global prices threatened revenue and farmer livelihoods. Brazil & Colombia: Surging production created oversupply, pressuring profit margins.
January ’ s market movements underscore the need for resilience in coffee - producing countries as they adapt to global price fluctuations and shifting economic conditions.
Highlights of the month at a glance!
a month in review roaster champion
Welcoming the 2024 Roaster World Champion to Kerchanshe
I n January, Kerchanshe Coffee had the privilege of hosting the 2024 Roaster World Champion along with the talented team from Cheness Roasters. The visit celebrated Ethiopia ’ s position as the origin of coffee, offering a unique opportunity to showcase the finest Kerchanshe coffee varieties.
The Cheness Roasters team participated in cupping sessions where they experienced the vibrant and diverse flavors of Ethiopian coffee. From the bold profiles to the delicate notes, the team explored the exceptional quality that makes Ethiopian coffee world - renowned.
We are proud to have shared this unforgettable experience with some of the industry ’ s finest and look forward to building stronger global connections through Ethiopia ’ s coffee legacy.
Highlights of the month at a glance!
a month in review coffee odyssey
Connecting Ethiopia ’ s Coffee Heritage with Russia
K erchanshe Coffee, Ethiopia ’ s leading coffee exporter, proudly hosted Coffee Odyssey, an exclusive journey showcasing the birthplace of coffee. This year, the tour welcomed esteemed guests from Russia, offering them an unforgettable exploration of Ethiopia ’ s rich coffee heritage.
The Coffee Odyssey guided participants through iconic sites such as the lush Debeka Farm, the cutting - edge Bule Hora Processing Plant, and the renowned Tore Washing Station. Guests experienced Ethiopia ’ s coffee - making journey firsthand, from sustainable farming techniques to advanced processing and meticulous washing methods.
The event also immersed visitors in Ethiopian culture through traditional coffee ceremonies, authentic cuisine, and vibrant performances, deepening their appreciation for the roots of coffee.
Kerchanshe Coffee ’ s CEO expressed pride in connecting cultures through this initiative, stating, “ Through Coffee Odyssey, we invite the world to witness the passion and dedication behind every cup of Ethiopian coffee. ”
The journey concluded with a grand celebration at Kerchanshe Coffee ’ s headquarters, honoring the shared love for coffee and fostering friendship between Ethiopia and Russia.
Highlights of the month at a glance!
a month in review trump and coffee market
Trump ’ s and Its Ripple Effect on the Coffee Industry
L ast month, the coffee industry witnessed a remarkable shift as Donald Trump ’ s inauguration as President of the United States sent ripples across global markets. This political transition not only impacted trade and economic sentiment but also played a significant role in driving coffee prices to notable highs.
Macroeconomic Shifts Drive Coffee Market Volatility
Trump ’ s economic agenda brought increased focus on US trade policies and the strength of the US dollar, leading to notable fluctuations in the USD/BRL exchange rate. A stronger Brazilian Real, paired with limited global coffee supplies, created a perfect storm for rising prices. Coffee producers and exporters worldwide experienced a dynamic market driven by these macroeconomic changes.
A New Era for Coffee Market
The Trump administration ’ s policies have brought a new layer of complexity to the global coffee trade. Currency volatility, supply constraints, and shifting trade priorities are likely to keep the market dynamic in the months ahead.
Reflecting on January ’ s Impact
The coffee industry ’ s response to global political and economic developments last month demonstrates its interconnected nature. From Ethiopian specialty coffee to Brazilian exports, stakeholders across the supply chain adjusted to the evolving market landscape.
As we move forward, the lessons from January underscore the importance of adaptability and vigilance in a rapidly changing world.
From Kaldi's Goats to Global Domination: The Journey of Ethiopia's Coffee Tradition
Ethiopia, known as the “ birthplace of coffee, ” has a rich history tied to the discovery and evolution of the drink. According to local legend, the journey began in the ninth century when a curious herder named Kaldi noticed that his goats became unusually energetic after eating a unique red fruit. Taking the berries to a nearby monastery, the monks initially burned them in fear that they were of a sinful nature. However, once they caught the delightful aroma of the roasting beans, their concerns melted away. The monks began preparing the fruit by soaking it in water, eating the berries before drinking the resulting liquid. This innovation turned all - night prayers and chants into much more manageable tasks.
Originally, the Ethiopian coffee cere � mony was a religious ritual, central to the spiritual life of local communities. Over time, it transcended its religious roots and became a cornerstone of social interaction, reflecting broader social changes. The ceremony adapt � ed to the communal needs of differ � ent eras while retaining its core ele � ments, serving as a living link to Ethio � pia's past. The practice highlights the adaptive nature of cultural traditions and their unifying role in bringing to � gether diverse groups within society. Today, Ethiopia exports roughly 400,000 metric tons of coffee every year, a testament to the global impact of this ancient tradition. From Ethiopia, coffee spread to Turkey, where it was first brewed into the drink we now recognize, before making its way to Europe and achieving worldwide dom � inance.
My name is Hana Jarso,
I have been working at Kerchanshe Coffee for four years. During this time, I have been able to support and provide for my children.
This year, I will mark my fifth year with the company, and I have seen positive changes not only in my life but also in my mother and the entire family.
I truly believe that the future holds even better things for us. So far, I haven't lost anything, whenever we face challenges, Kerchanshe is there to support us.
Kerchanshe has done so much for us. Once the coffee is washed at Kerchan � she, our job is to dry it, and as you can see, this is our responsibility. Finally, we take the dried coffee to the storage.
Leading Ethiopia ’ s Coffee Farming
Ethiopia ’ s coffee farming is evolving, and at the forefront of this transformation is Kerchanshe Coffee, pioneering modern agricultural techniques to enhance pro � ductivity, sustainability, and coffee quality. As the country ’ s largest coffee producer, Kerchanshe is setting a new standard by integrating cutting - edge technology into its farms, ensuring that every coffee tree thrives under optimal conditions.
One of the most significant advance � ments at Kerchanshe is the implementa � tion of precision irrigation systems. In an industry where water availability directly affects yield and quality, traditional rain - fed farming has long posed chal � lenges. To address this, Kerchanshe has adopted an advanced pump system that extracts water from reservoirs, purifies it at the source, and delivers it directly to the roots of each coffee plant. This technol � ogy ensures that trees receive the exact amount of moisture needed, reducing water waste and mitigating the effects of climate change on production.
By transitioning to this controlled irriga � tion method, Kerchanshe has been able to sustain year - round coffee farming, making its plantations more resilient in the face of unpredictable weather patterns.
Incorporating machine - assisted farming has further revolutionized Kerchanshe ’ s coffee production. While traditional hand � picking remains a cornerstone of Ethiopi � an coffee culture, Kerchanshe has intro � duced mechanized support systems to optimize harvesting and post - harvest pro � cessing. This hybrid approach increases efficiency without compromising the artis � anal quality of Ethiopian coffee.
As climate change continues to chal � lenge agricultural industries worldwide, Kerchanshe is leading the way in climate adaptation techniques. By leveraging advanced technology to monitor tem � perature, rainfall, and soil conditions in real - time, the company can make swift adjustments to farming practices, ensuring that coffee production remains stable and sustainable.
Record - High Coffee Prices Soar
Amid Tariff Tensions
Coffee prices have reached record highs, with Arabica futures recently climbing 2.3% to $3.5555 a pound, driven by tight global supplies and geopolitical factors. The spike followed a brief tariff threat against Colombia, the world ’ s third - largest coffee producer, which exports 40% of its coffee to the US. The threat, issued by former US President Trump after a diplo � matic dispute, added uncertainty to the market before being postponed following a deal over deported migrants.
This tariff uncertainty, combined with ex � isting harvest shortfalls in key producers like Brazil and Vietnam, has rattled the market. The potential for tariffs on coffee from Latin American countries could dis � rupt supply chains, pushing US demand for other sources and increasing retail prices. However, futures prices may not be as impacted, as they are based on stockpiles primarily held in Europe.
Adding to the volatility, global coffee stockpiles are expected to fall to a 25 - year low, with the USDA projecting a significant decrease in the 2024 - 25 season. Futures prices have risen more than 80% from last year due to poor harvests in major coffee - growing regions.
This volatility is a reminder of how geo � political factors and supply issues can drive fluctuations in the coffee market. The uncertainty surrounding Colombia ’ s coffee exports, along with broader supply challenges, highlights the market's vulnerability to both external political fac � tors and natural crop conditions, making price swings a persistent issue.
Exclusive Interview with the 2024 Roaster World Champion at Kerchanshe Coffee!
What makes you the best roaster?
It ’ s all about the passion and attention to detail. I continuously strive to bring out the best in every coffee bean, ensuring that the roast enhances its unique characteristics. It ’ s not about being the best, but about understanding the beans and re � specting their origins.
Which Kerchanshe coffee varieties stood out to you?
I was really impressed with the variety and quality of Ker � chanshe ’ s beans. The flavors were vibrant and complex, showing the true potential of Ethiopian coffee. The beans have such rich character, especially those from Bale Mountains and Guji really amazing.
What
are your thoughts on Ethiopian coffee?
This is actually my second time visiting Ethiopia, and it ’ s a place I deeply appreciate. The people here are so friendly and honest, which makes it a pleasure to visit. The coffee beans are unique, and the community has such a positive spirit. Every time I ’ m here, I fall in love with the coffee all over again. Thank you for having me!
world of coffee dubai
Dates: February 10 – 12, 2025
Location: Dubai World Trade Centre, Dubai, United Arab Emirates Description: The Middle East's leading coffee trade show, featur � ing exhibitions, competitions, and networking opportunities for coffee profes � sionals and enthusiasts.
Dates: February 26 – 28, 2025 Location: Dar es Salaam, Tanzania Description: Africa's largest coffee trade event, focusing on the continent's coffee industry with exhibitions, seminars, and networking sessions.
african fine coffees conference coffee science and education summit
Dates: February 6 – 7, 2025 Location: W ä denswil, Switzerland Description: A summit dedicated to the scientific and educational aspects of coffee, bring � ing together researchers, educators, and industry professionals.
