Ethiopia, Canada Seek to Unlock Greater Coffee Trade Through Direct Business Partnerships

Addis Ababa, September 29, 2026 (FMC) — Ethiopia and Canada are exploring new avenues to expand direct coffee trade and business partnerships, as Ethiopian exporters, Canadian importers and roasters, industry leaders and other stakeholders convened in Toronto for the Global Coffee Expo Canada 2026.

Organized by the Embassy of Ethiopia in Canada, the expo brought together key players from both countries’ coffee industries to promote Ethiopia’s coffee sector and create stronger business-to-business links between Ethiopian exporters and the Canadian market.

Opening the event, Ambassador Tewodros Girma highlighted the significant untapped potential in Ethiopia-Canada coffee trade, noting that direct coffee exports to Canada remain relatively limited compared with the size and opportunities presented by the Canadian market.

He pointed to Canada’s sophisticated and expanding coffee industry, where demand for premium, single-origin and organic coffee continues to create opportunities for Ethiopia, whose coffee enjoys a strong international reputation for its distinctive quality and origins.

The Ambassador underscored the importance of building more direct and sustained commercial links between Ethiopian coffee exporters and Canadian buyers, enabling both sides to better connect Ethiopia’s coffee supply with the evolving demands of the Canadian market.

Representing the Coffee Association of Canada, Anna Mancini highlighted the substantial opportunities offered by the Canadian coffee market and reaffirmed the Association’s readiness to work with Ethiopian exporters to strengthen cooperation and develop new business opportunities.

Beyond showcasing Ethiopia’s coffee potential, the expo created a practical platform for direct commercial engagement, with Ethiopian exporters holding business-to-business meetings and networking with Canadian importers, roasters and other industry stakeholders.

The initiative adds momentum to efforts to translate Ethiopia’s globally recognized coffee heritage into stronger direct market connections, expanded trade and deeper commercial ties between Ethiopia and Canada.