Ethiopian green coffee FAQ.
Direct answers to what buyers ask first. Where a number has not been published, the answer says so instead of guessing.
What is the minimum order?
The minimum order is one full container load (1 FCL). Samples are separate: request one on any season lot before you commit.
How big are the samples, and how do they work?
Samples are drawn from the actual lot on offer. Two come from the same draw: one is sent to you and one is held against the shipment, so the arrival can be read against what you approved. The sample weight is confirmed when you request one. Use the sample button on any season lot.
What is the difference between FOB Djibouti and CFR?
FOB Djibouti means the seller delivers the coffee on board at the port of Djibouti and the buyer pays and arranges the ocean freight from there. CFR your port means the seller also pays the freight to the port you name. In both cases the risk passes to the buyer once the coffee is on board. Price FOB Djibouti or CFR your port, on enquiry.
What are the payment terms?
Payment terms are not published on this site. They are set out with the offer for a lot, so ask for them in your brief.
Which documents come with a shipment?
A phytosanitary certificate, a certificate of origin, an ECX grade certificate and a bill of lading. The Q score and its scoresheet come with the offer, and moisture and water activity are read again when the container lands.
What about EUDR?
The EU deforestation regulation applies from 30 December 2026 to large and medium operators and from 30 June 2027 to micro and small operators, according to the European Commission, and the dates have moved twice. Plot-level geolocation for our lots is in build, and we do not describe it as running. If you sell into the EU, put the question to every supplier now. Read the EUDR entry.
How long does it take?
Harvest runs November to January for the Yirgacheffe and Sidama lots and December to February for Guji and Limu. Addis Ababa to Djibouti is about 900 km, by road in 2 to 4 days or by rail in 24 to 36 hours. The total lead time for a lot is given with the offer.
Can I buy the same coffee again?
That is what the record is for. Each lot keeps its station, harvest window, process, screen distribution and Q score with the scoresheet, and a sample is held against the shipment. Terms for a repeat order are given on enquiry.
Do you source commercial grades as well as specialty?
Yes. The season lots on the site are specialty, but commercial grades for larger volumes and blends are sourced the same way: you send a brief, we come back with lots that fit, and each one carries its record. Jimma is Ethiopia's main commercial-volume region. Say in your brief that you want commercial grade and give the volume.
Still have a question?
Put it in a brief and you get a direct answer. How buying works and the trust record go further.
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