In a tribute to the birthplace of coffee, Starbucks has launched a new single-origin coffee sourced from Ethiopia's Sidama region. This blonde roast, available across North America this winter, boasts a unique flavor profile with floral aromas and notes of tangerine and lemon balm.
Ethiopia's Coffee Legacy
Coffee is central to Ethiopia's economy and culture. The country is Africa's largest coffee producer, with nearly a quarter of its population relying on the crop for their livelihood. The centuries-old Ethiopian coffee ceremony further highlights the deep cultural significance of coffee as a symbol of hospitality and connection.
Highlighting Single-Origin Coffee
"The blonde roast really highlights the unique flavor range of Ethiopian coffee," said Leslie Wolford, a Starbucks coffee developer. The coffee bag's design also honors Ethiopian traditions by featuring the Jebena, a traditional black clay coffee brewer used in the Ethiopian coffee ceremony.
Behailu Gebremariam, General Manager of Starbucks' Farmer Support Center in Addis Ababa, expressed his pride in Ethiopia's role in the global coffee scene. "Coffee is everything to me," he said.
This launch also educates consumers about single-origin coffees. Single-origin beans, sourced from a specific region, offer a distinct taste compared to blended coffees. Ethiopian coffee, for many, serves as an introduction to the world of diverse coffee flavors.