Ethiopian Coffee at Faysel Abdosh M-Cultivo Auction
As Ethiopia celebrates its heritage as the birthplace of coffee, the Faysel Abdosh M-Cultivo Auction from July 14–16, 2025, spotlighted the country’s prized beans. This inaugural auction by M-Cultivo generated significant excitement within the specialty coffee community, setting the stage for future events. The three-day event drew global buyers enthusiastic to bid on premium coffees from Sidama, West Arsi, Yirgacheffe, and Guji, regions famed for their unique flavors.
Seasoned trader Faysel Abdosh, founder of TESTI Trading—named for his middle son’s Harari name meaning “Joy”—personally curated the lots, which emphasized Ethiopia’s generational coffee traditions and microlot exclusivity. Over 70% of the coffees sold at auction were natural or washed process, with the Sidama Bombe Natural lot standing out for its fruit-forward profile. The Ethiopian highlands are traditionally regarded as the birthplace of coffee, a legacy that enhances the appeal of these distinct varieties.
Faysel Abdosh’s curated Ethiopian lots blend generational traditions and microlot exclusivity, highlighted by Sidama Bombe Natural’s fruit-forward profile among 70% natural/washed coffees.
A pre-auction cupping event in Guangzhou, China, generated buzz, with tasters praising the beans’ clarity and complexity. Buyers sampled select lots through prepurchased sample sets before bidding via the M-Cultivo platform, designed to link producers directly with international markets. The auction’s limited offerings—high-scoring, traceable microlots—drove fierce competition.
The event shattered price benchmarks for Ethiopian specialty coffee, though exact figures remain confidential. Analysts noted the record bids reflect rising global demand for ethically sourced, transparently traded beans. Higher prices are expected to incentivize quality improvements among smallholder farmers, who supply most of Ethiopia’s coffee.
Proceeds from the auction support “Project Direct,” a TESTI Trading initiative funding schools, clinics, and clean water access in rural communities. The auction’s success underscores Ethiopia’s growing influence in the specialty sector.
By prioritizing direct relationships with farmers, Faysel Abdosh’s model guarantees profits flow back to origin, addressing systemic challenges like poor infrastructure and healthcare. Attendees praised the event for balancing commercial appeal with social impact, proving premium coffee can uplift growers while delighting drinkers.
As global markets increasingly value sustainability, Ethiopia’s combination of heritage, quality, and ethics positions it to thrive—one cup at a time.
