Ethiopian Coffee Auction Record
A record-breaking Ethiopian coffee sale captured global attention in July 2025 when Black Gold Coffee purchased the “Sidama Keramo Super Natural” lot for $1,604 per kilogram—over $727 a pound—at the Faysel Abdosh Signature Auction. This shattered Ethiopia’s previous auction record of $445 per pound set by Angelino’s Coffee at the 2024 Ethiopia Cup of Excellence. The sale highlights Ethiopia’s rising dominance in the global specialty coffee market, driven by its unique coffee quality and competitive auctions.
Ethiopian coffee quality has long been praised for its diverse flavors linked to regional terroir and processing methods. The “Super Natural” designation signifies a dry-processed coffee with intense fruity notes, a style distinctive to Sidama’s highland farms. Traditional Ethiopian agroforestry systems maintain biodiversity, enhancing the unique flavors of its coffee. Additionally, coffee symbolizes generosity and community bonds among the Oromo people, underscoring its cultural significance. Auction impact extends beyond prices, as organizers like Testi Specialty Coffee and M-Cultivo use proceeds to fund schools, clinics, and water systems through initiatives like “Project Direct.” These investments help farmers enhance yields while supporting community sustainability.
The 2025 auction’s $727-per-pound price reflects a rapid rise in Ethiopia’s coffee value. In 2020, its Cup of Excellence auction averaged $28 per pound, generating $1.3 million total sales. By 2024, Angelino’s record purchase signaled heightened global demand for rare lots. Buyers like Black Gold Coffee emphasize partnerships with farmers, ensuring profits directly support local economies. Educational and healthcare initiatives will channel auction proceeds into expanding access to schools and maternal care in coffee-producing communities, as outlined by Project Direct’s goals.
Kirk Bedrossian of Angelino’s noted that high bids spotlight Ethiopia’s potential while rewarding meticulous growing practices. Auction formats also play a role. The 2024 Ethiopia Cup of Excellence Auction, where Angelinos secured its winning lot, saw over 3,000 bids placed during an intense 8.5-hour session that drew international attention. The Faysel Abdosh Signature Auction, a private 2025 event, drew thousands of bids over hours. Such platforms enhance Ethiopia’s reputation by showcasing specific lots’ stories, from soil to processing.
Meanwhile, the Cup of Excellence—active since 2020—remains a key driver, linking farmers to global buyers through rigorous quality evaluations. Ethiopia’s auction streak shows no signs of slowing. As specialty coffee markets grow, its beans command higher premiums, transforming rural livelihoods.
With each record, global recognition of Ethiopian coffee’s craftsmanship deepens, ensuring farmers reap rewards for their generational expertise.
