AFCA TASTE OF HARVEST: ETHIOPIAN COFFEE COMPETITION, CERTIFICATION & AUCTION OPPORTUNITIES
Everything Ethiopian coffee producers, exporters, and international buyers need to know about the AFCA Taste of Harvest competition, Ethiopia's modern coffee laboratory facilities, the certification process, auction opportunities, and how participating in African coffee quality competitions enhances market access and premiums for exceptional Ethiopian coffees.
Jan 30, 2026
In January 2026, Ethiopia hosted a major milestone event for African coffee: the AFCA (African Fine Coffees Association) Conference and Exhibition, featuring the prestigious Taste of Harvest competition. This event brought together coffee producers, exporters, buyers, and industry experts from across Africa and around the world to celebrate and evaluate the continent's finest coffees.
For Ethiopian coffee producers and exporters, the AFCA Taste of Harvest competition represents a critical opportunity: to showcase Ethiopia's exceptional coffee quality, gain international recognition through AFCA certification, and access premium auction markets that reward excellence with higher prices.
Why This Competition Matters
Dr. Adunya Debela, Chief Director of the Ethiopian Coffee and Tea Authority, emphasizes that the Taste of Harvest competition is not just about winning awards-it's about demonstrating Ethiopia's:
- • World-class coffee quality across multiple processing methods
- • Modern laboratory facilities equipped with state-of-the-art equipment
- • Highly trained coffee professionals recognized internationally
- • Leadership role in African coffee production and trade
- • Capacity to compete with the best specialty coffees globally
This comprehensive guide explores everything you need to know about AFCA's Taste of Harvest competition, Ethiopia's participation, the certification process, and how winning recognition translates into market opportunities for Ethiopian coffee.
In This Guide
- 1. What Is AFCA and the Taste of Harvest Competition?
- 2. Ethiopia's Leadership in African Coffee
- 3. The 2026 AFCA Taste of Harvest Competition in Ethiopia
- 4. Competition Coffee Samples: Processing Methods Represented
- 5. Competition Evaluation Process and Judging Criteria
- 6. Ethiopia's Modern Coffee Laboratory and Training Center
- 7. Two-Phase Competition System: National and AFCA Levels
- 8. AFCA Certification: Benefits and Market Access
- 9. AFCA Direct Auction Platform for Award-Winning Coffees
- 10. How Ethiopian Producers Can Participate in Future Competitions
- 11. Opportunities for International Coffee Buyers
- 12. Long-Term Impact on Ethiopian Coffee Industry
1. What Is AFCA and the Taste of Harvest Competition?
African Fine Coffees Association (AFCA)
AFCA (formerly the Inter-African Coffee Organisation - IACO) is the premier organization representing African coffee-producing countries. With 25 member nations, AFCA works to:
- Promote African coffee quality and market competitiveness
- Facilitate knowledge sharing and capacity building across member countries
- Advocate for African coffee producers in global markets
- Organize annual conferences, exhibitions, and quality competitions
- Connect African coffee producers with international buyers
- Support sustainability and development in African coffee sectors
The Taste of Harvest Competition
Taste of Harvest is AFCA's flagship coffee quality competition, held annually to:
Identify Excellence
Discover and recognize the finest coffees produced across Africa in each harvest season, showcasing the diversity and quality potential of African origins.
Professional Evaluation
Subject coffee samples to rigorous evaluation by international coffee experts, Q graders, and sensory professionals using standardized specialty coffee protocols.
Market Access
Provide winning coffees with direct access to AFCA's auction platform, connecting award-winning lots with premium buyers willing to pay for exceptional quality.
Recognition and Certification
Issue official AFCA certification to top-scoring coffees, providing producers with internationally recognized quality credentials that enhance marketability.
The competition is open to coffee producers, cooperatives, and exporters from AFCA member countries, with samples evaluated blindly to ensure objectivity and fairness.
2. Ethiopia's Leadership in African Coffee
Ethiopia holds a unique and influential position within AFCA and the broader African coffee sector.
Ethiopia's AFCA Leadership Role
As Dr. Adunya Debela notes, Ethiopia:
- • Holds decisive influence among AFCA's 25 member countries due to its production volume and quality reputation
- • Has repeatedly hosted major international coffee conferences (AFCA, IACO, and other events) with exemplary Ethiopian hospitality
- • Serves as a knowledge hub for African coffee, with training facilities and expertise that benefit other member nations
- • Represents the birthplace of Arabica coffee, giving Ethiopia unique credibility and heritage in global coffee discussions
- • Maintains active participation in AFCA governance, advocacy, and program development
Why Ethiopia Is an Ideal Host for AFCA Events
Dr. Adunya emphasizes that Ethiopia-particularly Addis Ababa-offers exceptional conditions for hosting international coffee events:
Infrastructure and Hospitality
- • Modern conference facilities
- • International airport connections
- • Hotel and accommodation capacity
- • Renowned Ethiopian hospitality culture
Coffee-Specific Advantages
- • State-of-the-art coffee training center
- • Modern laboratory facilities
- • Highly experienced coffee professionals
- • Access to diverse Ethiopian coffee samples
Addis Ababa's nickname-which means "New Flower"-symbolically represents Ethiopia's coffee industry: traditional yet constantly renewing and modernizing.
3. The 2026 AFCA Taste of Harvest Competition in Ethiopia
The January 2026 Taste of Harvest competition marked a significant moment for Ethiopian coffee and AFCA.
Competition Venue and Facilities
The competition was hosted at the Ethiopian Coffee and Tea Authority's Coffee Training Center in Addis Ababa, featuring:
Modern Cupping Laboratory: Equipped with professional cupping tables, roasting equipment, water quality control systems, and temperature-controlled environments meeting international standards
Expert Panel: More than eight highly experienced coffee professionals from Ethiopia and international origins conducting blind evaluations
Sample Preparation Facilities: Professional green coffee sorting, roasting, and preparation stations ensuring standardized evaluation conditions
Data Management Systems: Digital scoring systems and result tracking meeting AFCA and international competition standards
Judging Panel Composition
The competition featured a diverse panel of coffee experts including:
- Ethiopian Q Graders and Coffee Professionals: Highly trained sensory evaluators from Ethiopia's coffee sector with international certifications
- International Coffee Experts: Judges from AFCA member countries and global specialty coffee markets bringing diverse perspectives
- AFCA Representatives: Organization officials ensuring compliance with Taste of Harvest protocols and standards
- Buyer Representatives: Potential purchasers from international markets evaluating coffees for commercial potential
Dr. Adunya emphasized that this competition provided an invaluable opportunity to showcase Ethiopia's "well-known experts that we have nurtured and developed," demonstrating to the international community that Ethiopia possesses world-class coffee evaluation capacity.
4. Competition Coffee Samples: Processing Methods Represented
The 2026 competition featured an impressive diversity of Ethiopian coffee samples, showcasing the country's innovation in processing methods and regional variety.
Sample Submission Statistics
According to W/ro Bamlack Melese, AFCA Taste of Harvest Program Supervision Coordinator, the competition received coffee samples from producers, exporters, and cooperatives across Ethiopian coffee-producing regions:
Total Samples Submitted: 226 Ethiopian Coffees
Natural Processed
Sun-dried with cherry intact, showcasing Ethiopia's traditional processing heritage
Washed Processed
Fully washed coffees highlighting clean, bright flavor profiles
Honey Processed
Semi-washed coffees with varying mucilage levels for balanced sweetness
Experimental Processed
Innovative methods including anaerobic, carbonic maceration, and hybrid processes
Regional Diversity
Samples were submitted from coffee-producing regions, woredas (districts), and kebeles (villages) across Ethiopia, representing:
- Southern regions: Yirgacheffe, Sidamo, Guji, and surrounding areas known for floral, fruity profiles
- Western regions: Jimma, Limu, and Kaffa areas producing balanced, sweet coffees
- Eastern regions: Harrar and surrounding areas famous for distinctive dry-processed coffees
- Emerging origins: Newer coffee-producing zones expanding Ethiopia's regional diversity
Why Processing Diversity Matters:
The wide range of processing methods (natural, washed, honey, experimental) demonstrates Ethiopian producers' increasing sophistication and responsiveness to specialty market demands. Experimental processing-representing 20% of submissions-shows Ethiopia's commitment to innovation while maintaining traditional quality standards.
5. Competition Evaluation Process and Judging Criteria
AFCA's Taste of Harvest competition follows rigorous, internationally recognized evaluation protocols to ensure fairness and credibility.
Evaluation Protocol
Step 1: Sample Preparation
- • Green coffee samples inspected for defects and moisture content
- • Standardized roasting (typically light-to-medium) to preserve origin characteristics
- • Samples coded and anonymized to ensure blind evaluation
- • Water quality controlled for consistent brewing conditions
Step 2: Cupping Evaluation
- • Multiple judges evaluate each sample independently
- • Standardized cupping protocol (SCA or similar) applied consistently
- • Sensory attributes scored: aroma, flavor, aftertaste, acidity, body, balance, sweetness, cleanliness, uniformity
- • Descriptive notes recorded for each coffee
Step 3: Scoring and Calibration
- • Individual judge scores compiled and averaged
- • Calibration sessions held to align judge evaluations
- • Statistical analysis applied to identify outliers
- • Final scores calculated using standardized methodology
Step 4: Selection and Recognition
- • Top-scoring coffees identified based on quality thresholds
- • Winning coffees re-cupped to confirm quality and consistency
- • Producers notified and samples prepared for second competition phase
- • Results documented for AFCA certification process
Quality Benchmarks
While specific scoring thresholds vary by competition year, AFCA typically recognizes coffees that:
- Score 85+ points (specialty grade) on standardized cupping protocols
- Demonstrate exceptional quality in multiple sensory attributes
- Show consistency across cups (uniformity in evaluation)
- Are free from defects and processing faults
- Represent distinctive origin character and processing quality
6. Ethiopia's Modern Coffee Laboratory and Training Center
One of the competition's key objectives was showcasing Ethiopia's significantly upgraded coffee quality infrastructure.
Laboratory Modernization
Dr. Adunya Debela highlights that Ethiopia has invested heavily in "modernizing its laboratory and owning many species," referring to:
State-of-the-Art Equipment
The Ethiopian Coffee Training Center now features:
- • Professional sample roasting equipment (Ikawa, Probat, or similar)
- • Standardized cupping laboratories with temperature-controlled environments
- • Water quality testing and treatment systems
- • Green coffee moisture and density analyzers
- • Colorimetric analysis equipment
- • Digital data collection and scoring systems
Genetic Diversity and Variety Collection
"Owning many species" refers to Ethiopia's:
- • Extensive coffee variety collection and germplasm banks
- • Research facilities studying Ethiopian heirloom varieties
- • Documentation of regional coffee genetic diversity
- • Capacity to analyze and identify variety-specific characteristics
Training and Capacity Building
The center serves as a hub for:
- • Q Grader and sensory training courses
- • Producer education on quality improvement
- • Exporter training on grading and quality control
- • International workshops and knowledge exchange
Strategic Importance: These laboratory and training facilities position Ethiopia not just as a coffee producer, but as a coffee quality leader capable of setting standards and educating the broader African and global coffee community.
7. Two-Phase Competition System: National and AFCA Levels
The AFCA Taste of Harvest operates as a two-phase competition designed to identify the very best coffees across Africa.
Phase 1: National Competition (January 2026)
What Happened:
- • 226 Ethiopian coffee samples were evaluated in Addis Ababa
- • Top-scoring coffees were identified based on AFCA quality criteria
- • Winning samples were selected to advance to Phase 2
- • Producers were notified and prepared for continental competition
This phase served as Ethiopia's internal selection process, ensuring only the country's finest coffees would represent Ethiopia in the broader AFCA competition.
Phase 2: AFCA Continental Competition (February 2026)
What Happens Next:
- • Top Ethiopian coffees from Phase 1 compete against winning coffees from other AFCA member countries
- • Continental judging panel evaluates all national winners together
- • Overall AFCA winners are determined across processing categories and origin types
- • Winning coffees receive serial numbers and official AFCA recognition
- • Award-winning lots gain access to AFCA's direct auction platform
Progression Criteria
Not all coffees advance from Phase 1 to Phase 2. Selection typically considers:
- Minimum quality score: Usually 85+ points (specialty grade)
- Distinctiveness: Coffees demonstrating exceptional origin character
- Consistency: Samples showing uniformity across multiple cups
- Commercial viability: Sufficient volume available for sale
- Processing category balance: Representation across natural, washed, honey, and experimental categories
8. AFCA Certification: Benefits and Market Access
Coffees that succeed in Phase 2 receive official AFCA recognition and certification-a credential with significant market value.
What AFCA Certification Provides
Official Quality Recognition
AFCA issues serial numbers and certificates to winning coffees, providing internationally recognized documentation of exceptional quality evaluated by expert panels using standardized protocols.
Market Differentiation
Certified coffees stand out in crowded specialty markets, providing buyers with third-party validated quality assurance that justifies premium pricing and reduces purchasing risk.
Direct Buyer Access
AFCA connects certified coffee producers directly with international buyers through the organization's auction platform and buyer network, bypassing traditional intermediaries.
Marketing and Storytelling
Winning producers gain compelling marketing narratives ("AFCA Award Winner") that resonate with specialty roasters and consumers seeking exceptional, story-driven coffees.
Certification Validity Period
As W/ro Bamlack notes, AFCA certification is valid for one year. This means:
- Certificates apply to specific harvest year coffees (e.g., 2025/2026 harvest)
- Producers must resubmit samples each year to maintain recognition
- Certification ensures buyers receive recently harvested, fresh-crop coffee
- Annual competitions maintain high standards and competitive incentives
Important Note:
The one-year validity means AFCA certification is harvest-specific, not producer-specific. Even award-winning producers must demonstrate continued quality excellence each season to maintain certified status.
9. AFCA Direct Auction Platform for Award-Winning Coffees
One of the most valuable benefits of winning AFCA recognition is direct access to the organization's auction platform.
How AFCA Auctions Work
1. Auction Listing
Award-winning coffees are listed on AFCA's auction platform with detailed profiles including:
- • Competition scores and sensory descriptors
- • Origin information (region, producer, altitude)
- • Processing method and variety details
- • Available quantity and lot size
- • Certification serial number
2. Buyer Participation
International specialty coffee buyers-roasters, importers, and traders-access the platform to:
- • Review detailed coffee profiles and cupping notes
- • Request samples for evaluation (often available)
- • Submit bids or purchase offers
- • Communicate directly with producers/exporters
3. Price Discovery
Auction format allows true market-based pricing:
- • Competitive bidding drives prices up for exceptional lots
- • Transparency ensures producers receive fair market value
- • Premium prices reflect quality, not just commodity markets
- • Direct sales reduce intermediary margins
4. Transaction Facilitation
AFCA supports the sales process by:
- • Connecting buyers and sellers
- • Providing platform infrastructure and trust mechanisms
- • Offering guidance on export logistics and documentation
- • Monitoring transactions to ensure successful completion
Historical Auction Results
While specific pricing varies by year and coffee quality, AFCA auction coffees historically achieve:
- Significant premiums over commodity market prices (C market)
- Price ranges typically $4-15+ per pound FOB, depending on quality and rarity
- Record prices for exceptional micro-lots exceeding $20+ per pound
- Consistent demand from specialty roasters seeking award-winning coffees
10. How Ethiopian Producers Can Participate in Future Competitions
The 2026 competition demonstrates that AFCA Taste of Harvest is open to a wide range of Ethiopian coffee stakeholders.
Who Can Submit Samples
According to the competition coordinator, submissions were accepted from:
Coffee Producers
Individual farmers, farm owners, and estate operators producing exceptional coffee can submit samples directly.
Cooperatives
Farmer cooperatives and unions representing member producers can submit samples from collective production.
Coffee Exporters
Licensed Ethiopian coffee exporters can submit samples from their sourcing networks and partner producers.
Submission Requirements
While specific requirements may vary by competition year, typical submission criteria include:
- Sample quantity: Usually 5-10 kg of green coffee per submission
- Sample quality: Green coffee free from major defects, properly sorted
- Documentation: Origin information, processing details, harvest date, producer identification
- Traceability: Clear documentation of coffee source (region, farm, cooperative)
- Availability: Sufficient quantity available for sale if coffee wins recognition
- Registration fees: Nominal fees may apply to cover evaluation costs
Preparation Tips for Success
Maximizing Competition Success:
- 1. Select your best coffees: Submit only exceptional lots, not average production
- 2. Ensure proper processing: Careful harvesting, processing, and drying to minimize defects
- 3. Prepare samples carefully: Hand-sort green coffee to remove defects before submission
- 4. Provide accurate information: Complete documentation helps judges understand your coffee's story
- 5. Consider processing diversity: Submit across multiple processing categories (washed, natural, experimental)
- 6. Coordinate with exporters: If you're a producer, partner with exporters who can facilitate submission and potential sales
11. Opportunities for International Coffee Buyers
For specialty coffee roasters, importers, and traders, AFCA's Taste of Harvest competition offers valuable sourcing opportunities.
Benefits for Coffee Buyers
Pre-Vetted Quality
Expert panels have already evaluated and confirmed exceptional quality, reducing buyer risk and cuppingworkload.
Transparent Information
Detailed profiles include sensory notes, scores, origin data, and processing information-all the details buyers need for informed decisions.
Direct Sourcing
AFCA platform connects buyers directly with producers/exporters, enabling relationship-building and potentially better pricing through reduced intermediaries.
Unique Marketing Story
Purchasing AFCA award-winning coffees provides compelling narratives for retail customers: "AFCA Gold Winner, 2026 Taste of Harvest."
African Origin Diversity
Competition exposes buyers to exceptional coffees from across AFCA member countries, not just Ethiopia, expanding sourcing options.
How to Access AFCA Auction Coffees
International buyers interested in purchasing award-winning coffees can:
- Contact AFCA directly to register for auction platform access
- Attend AFCA conferences and exhibitions where award coffees are showcased
- Work with Ethiopian exporters (like Ethio Coffee Export) who participate in competitions and have access to award-winning lots
- Monitor AFCA communications (website, newsletters) announcing auction dates and participating coffees
12. Long-Term Impact on Ethiopian Coffee Industry
The 2026 AFCA Taste of Harvest competition and Ethiopia's hosting of the conference represent more than a one-time event-they signal important developments for Ethiopian coffee's future.
Strategic Benefits for Ethiopia
Enhanced Global Reputation
Showcasing modern facilities, professional expertise, and exceptional coffee quality reinforces Ethiopia's position as a global coffee leader, not just a traditional origin.
Increased Producer Incentives
Competition success and premium auction prices provide tangible incentives for Ethiopian farmers and cooperatives to invest in quality improvements and best practices.
Quality Culture Development
Annual competitions foster a culture of quality excellence, continuous improvement, and pride in Ethiopian coffee throughout the supply chain from farmer to exporter.
Knowledge Hub Status
Ethiopia's training center and laboratory facilities position the country as a knowledge hub for African coffee, attracting international partnerships and training opportunities.
Market Access Expansion
AFCA certification and auction access open new market channels, particularly for smaller producers and cooperatives who previously lacked direct international buyer connections.
Future Outlook
Dr. Adunya's emphasis on Ethiopia's laboratory modernization and species collection suggests ongoing investments in:
- Research and development: Better understanding Ethiopian coffee genetics and terroir
- Quality standards: Continuous improvement in grading, evaluation, and quality control
- Producer training: Expanding capacity-building programs to reach more farmers
- Innovation: Supporting experimental processing and sustainable farming practices
- International collaboration: Strengthening partnerships with global coffee organizations
Conclusion: Competition Success Drives Coffee Excellence
The AFCA Taste of Harvest competition represents far more than awards and recognition-it's a mechanism for driving quality improvement, connecting exceptional Ethiopian coffees with discerning global buyers, and demonstrating Ethiopia's continued evolution as a modern, sophisticated coffee origin.
For producers and cooperatives, participation offers pathways to premium markets and fair compensation for quality efforts. For exporters, award-winning lots provide competitive differentiation and buyer demand. For international buyers, AFCA-certified coffees deliver pre-vetted quality and compelling stories.
As Ethiopia continues modernizing its laboratory facilities, training professionals, and hosting international events, the country solidifies its role not just as coffee's birthplace, but as a dynamic leader shaping specialty coffee's future.
Key Takeaways
AFCA's Taste of Harvest is Africa's premier coffee quality competition, recognizing exceptional coffees across the continent and providing market access through auctions
Ethiopia hosted the 2026 competition at its modern Coffee Training Center, showcasing state-of-the-art laboratory facilities and highly trained professionals
226 Ethiopian coffee samples competed across natural, washed, honey, and experimental processing categories, demonstrating the country's quality diversity
Competition operates in two phases: national selection (January) and continental finals (February), with only top scorers advancing
Award-winning coffees receive AFCA certification (valid one year) and serial numbers, providing internationally recognized quality credentials
Certified coffees gain direct access to AFCA's auction platform, connecting producers with international specialty buyers at premium prices
Ethiopian producers, cooperatives, and exporters can all participate by submitting samples meeting quality and documentation requirements
International buyers benefit from pre-vetted quality, transparent information, and compelling marketing stories when purchasing award-winning lots
Ethiopia's laboratory modernization and genetic diversity research position the country as a knowledge leader in African and global coffee
Competition success drives quality culture, producer incentives, and market access-benefiting Ethiopia's entire coffee value chain
Access Award-Winning Ethiopian Coffee Through Ethio Coffee Export
Ethio Coffee Export PLC actively participates in Ethiopia's coffee quality competitions and maintains relationships with producers and cooperatives whose coffees compete at national and international levels.
- Competition-grade coffees from award-winning producers and cooperatives
- Diverse processing methods including experimental lots showcasing Ethiopian innovation
- Full traceability and quality documentation meeting international standards
- Professional cupping notes and evaluation from trained Q graders
- Direct producer relationships supporting quality-focused farmers
Related Resources
Quality & Evaluation
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Contact Us About Premium SelectionsThis guide was prepared by Ethio Coffee Export PLC based on the 2026 AFCA Taste of Harvest competition, statements from Ethiopian Coffee and Tea Authority leadership, and our direct involvement in Ethiopia's specialty coffee sector. Contact our team for more information about accessing award-winning Ethiopian coffees.