Ethiopian Coffee Hits $1,739 per Kilo in Record-Breaking Auction













A New High for Ethiopia’s Signature Export

Ethiopia’s reputation as the birthplace of coffee reached a stunning new peak this week when Alo Coffee concluded its first private auction, “Echoes of the Peak,” with prices that stunned even seasoned specialty-coffee traders.The headline number—$1,739 per kilogram for the highest-scoring lot—sets a new global benchmark for Ethiopian beans and signals the growing value the world is willing to place on the country’s high-altitude terroir.

How the Record Was Set

The single-day online auction drew 6,457 bids from roasters and buyers across Asia, Europe, the Middle East, and North America, generating a total of $135,922.50 in sales. Twenty meticulously curated lots were offered, all cultivated at 2,400 to 2,580 meters above sea level and grown from the celebrated 74158 varietal, a line prized for its exceptional cup quality and resilience.

Weighted average price: $625/kg

Top price: $1,739/kg

Standout: Craft Reserves LOT-TWH2, secured by INLIGHT Coffee after 366 competitive bids at $495/kg

Each lot was minimally processed to showcase the raw character of the beans—allowing the inherent floral notes, dense sweetness, and vibrant acidity of Ethiopia’s highlands to shine.

“A Moment of Recognition for Ethiopian Coffee”

For Tamiru Tadesse, CEO of Alo Coffee and the driving force behind the auction, the achievement is as much about national pride as it is about price:

“This is not just a win for Alo Coffee,” Tadesse said after the final gavel. “It is a moment of recognition for Ethiopian coffee on the world stage. The results affirm the unmatched quality of our highland origins and the dedication of our farmers.”

His words echo the sentiments of an industry that has long considered Ethiopia’s smallholder farms to be the cradle of Arabica excellence. Yet never before has a single Ethiopian coffee fetched such a dramatic price in a private auction.

Why This Auction Matters

1. Elevation and Terroir:Coffee grown at 2,400 meters and above matures slowly, producing beans with complex sugars and a depth of flavor that roasters covet. The 74158 variety, developed by Ethiopia’s Jimma Agricultural Research Center, is celebrated for its resistance to disease and its ability to express delicate florals and layered fruit notes when grown at high altitude.

2. Transparency and Sustainability:Alo Coffee structured the sale to ensure farmers receive a significant share of the record prices. The auction model rewards meticulous cultivation and encourages sustainable practices, creating a virtuous cycle of quality and fair compensation.

3. A Signal to the Global Market:For specialty roasters, the auction underscores Ethiopia’s role as a source of some of the world’s most coveted coffees—on par with Panama’s famous Geisha varietals, long considered the pinnacle of premium pricing.

Ethiopia’s Coffee Economy Poised for Growth

Ethiopia already exports more than 250,000 metric tons of coffee annually and employs millions across the value chain. The “Echoes of the Peak” auction gives the country’s specialty segment a fresh narrative: Ethiopian coffee is not only historically significant; it is now among the most valuable on earth.

Industry analysts expect the record to influence future contracts and inspire other producers to launch private auctions, creating new opportunities for Ethiopian farmers and cooperatives to capture higher premiums.

What Comes Next for Alo Coffee

Buoyed by global attention, Alo Coffee plans to curate more exclusive lots and host future auctions, aiming to strengthen the bridge between Ethiopian farmers and the world’s most discerning coffee communities. For buyers and roasters, this means continued access to rare, high-altitude beans that embody the complexity and elegance for which Ethiopian coffee is renowned.

A Toast to the Highlands

With a single auction, Alo Coffee has elevated Ethiopia’s standing from the birthplace of coffee to the frontier of its future. The $1,739-per-kilo record is more than a price tag—it is a statement: the world’s best coffees are still born in the Ethiopian highlands, and their value is climbing higher than ever.