Oakland, California-based Royal Coffee recently opened a new office in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, with a stated goal to become “the leading American importer of Ethiopian coffee.”
The genetic birthplace of coffee and one of the most highly prized coffee origin countries in terms of arabica quality and diversity, Ethiopia and its coffee sector have also faced numerous challenges bringing traceable specialty coffees to the export market in recent years, including political conflict in key coffee-growing areas, domestic market mechanics and other logistical hurdles.
“Ethiopia is one of the most important and complex coffee origins in the world,” Royal Coffee CEO Max Nicholas-Fulmer said in an announcement of the opening. “Establishing a permanent presence in Addis allows us to adapt in real-time to the shifting dynamics of the Ethiopian coffee market — while continuing to deliver the highest standard of quality and service our partners have come to expect.”
According to Royal, the new location will include a fully equipped cupping lab and an operations team. The office will be led by Haileyesus Andualem, who has worked with Royal for more than a decade. Licensed Q Grader Segenet Gashaw will oversee the lab, and Beti Asefa will lead logistics and support quality control.
Royal said the new facility is designed to broaden the company’s Ethiopian supplier network, including increased engagement with smallholder producers, resulting in more green coffee offerings and diversity for roasters. The office is also designed to improve shipment efficiency, the company said.
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