5 – Marking a fresh era in Ethiopia’s coffee industry Specialty Coffee Association of Ethiopia (SCAE) was officially launched today. As a unified body, SCAE will promote Ethiopian specialty coffee internationally, strengthen quality standards and create fresh opportunities for producers, exporters and the broader coffee community.
Ethiopia, considered the birthplace of Arabica coffee, is home to thousands of different varieties and unparalleled genetic diversity. However, much of this potential remains underestimated. SCAE was established to protect Ethiopia’s heritage, advance quality excellence and ensure full global recognition of the country’s extraordinary contribution to specialty coffee.
“Our goal is basic but ambitious,” he said Ashenafi Argaw, president of Scae. “We want to showcase the best of Ethiopian specialty coffee, strengthen traceability and quality standards, and provide our producers with a platform to be recognized around the world.”
The association’s mission is based on cooperation, innovation and global commitment. It will serve as a hub for knowledge exchange, research, professional development, market expansion and advocacy.
Flagship program:
SCAE will lead The best of Ethiopiaa nationwide initiative to identify, celebrate and promote the most extraordinary coffees from Ethiopia’s diverse regions. Through professional assessment, global promotion and direct market access, the program will raise Ethiopia’s prestige while creating fresh opportunities for producers.
SCAE also plans to escalate support for farmers through training, sensory education, sustainability programs, quality-oriented research initiatives and development projects, empowering Ethiopia’s coffee community and protecting biodiversity for future generations.
Today’s launch brought together farmers, exporters, cooperatives, researchers, roasters and government partners, signaling a shared commitment to take Ethiopian coffee into a fresh era
excellence and global leadership.
Faysel Abdosh, Member of the Management Board:
Kenean Assefa, Member of the Management Board:
Tamru Tadess, board member and winner of the first Ethiopian Cup of Excellence (2021):
About SCAE
The Specialty Coffee Association of Ethiopia (SCAE) is the national organization that strengthens Ethiopia’s position as a global leader in specialty coffee. Through its flagship Best of Ethiopia auctions, international promotional campaigns and strategic partnerships, SCAE connects Ethiopian producers, exporters and cooperatives with premium markets around the world. Rooted in Ethiopia’s heritage as the birthplace of Arabica coffee, the Association is a champion of quality,
transparency and sustainability, so Ethiopia’s over 10,000 unique coffee varieties continue to shape the future of the global industry. More information can be found on the website www.sca-ethiopia.com.
