Stories of Major African Coffee Bean Producing Countries | Characteristics of African Coffee Beans | Are African Coffees Expensive

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African Coffee Production Overview

Currently, African coffee production accounts for only 13% of the world's total production, lower than the 19-20% share it held in the 1960s and 1970s.

According to statistics from the International Coffee Organization (ICO), global coffee production was 8 million tons in 2010, with Africa's share being relatively low. However, coffee revenue remains an important source of GDP and export earnings for some African countries. Statistics from the French Institute of International Relations show that coffee and cocoa revenue accounts for 20% of Côte d'Ivoire's GDP, while Ethiopia's total exports in 2009 included 26% from coffee and cocoa, and Rwanda's total exports for the same year also included 22% from coffee and cocoa.

Major African Coffee-Producing Countries

Africa's main coffee-producing countries include: Kenya, Ethiopia, Angola, Tanzania, Zambia, and Zimbabwe. The primary characteristic of African coffee beans is their fruit acidity.

Kenya

Kenya grows high-quality Arabica coffee beans. The coffee beans absorb almost the entire essence of the coffee cherry, offering a subtle acidity and rich, mellow aroma that is very popular among Europeans, especially in the UK. Kenyan coffee has surpassed Costa Rican coffee to become one of the most popular coffees. Signature coffee: Kenyan AA grade coffee is considered the finest among African coffees, with a full-bodied, rich texture, slight acidity, smooth flavor, and hints of wine-like aroma. AA grade represents the highest quality coffee beans from Kenya.

Ethiopia

Ethiopia is an agricultural country with a history and tradition considered the birthplace of coffee. The southwestern region of Kaffa is regarded as the origin of the name "coffee," while the southern Sidamo region is a major production area, with Yirgacheffe being one of the production areas in southern Sidamo. The eastern highland region of Harar is also as famous as the "Harar" coffee variety. Ethiopia is an important coffee-producing country, with approximately 12 million people engaged in coffee production, making it a major exporter of Arabica coffee beans in Africa.

Angola

Angola's best coffee brands in the past were Ambri, Ambalim, and Novo Redondo, all known for their consistent quality.

Tanzania

Tanzanian premium coffee offers gentle acidity and enticing aroma, providing absolutely excellent value. Coffee exports play an important role in Tanzania's national economy. The production of peaberry coffee is substantial, and it is said to be more aromatic and flavorful than regular coffee.

Zambia

Zambian coffee is slightly lighter than Kenyan coffee, making it suitable for afternoon consumption. Coffee was introduced to Zambia from Kenya and Tanzania in the early 20th century, and now it also produces large-sized coffee beans and peaberry coffee beans. High-quality Zambian coffee shows an improving trend. Although the flavor is slightly lighter, it is similar to Kenyan coffee in taste and priced identically.

Zimbabwe

Zimbabwe produces high-quality coffee beans. Zimbabwean coffee is identical to premium Kenyan AA grade coffee in every aspect, offering a smooth, crisp mouthfeel with rich fruit aromas.

African Coffee Bean Brand Recommendations

FrontStreet Coffee's roasted African coffee beans—including Ethiopian, Kenyan, and Burundian coffee beans—are fully guaranteed in both brand and quality. More importantly, they offer excellent value for money. A half-pound (227g) package costs only around 80-90 yuan. Calculating at 15g per pour-over coffee, one package can make 15 cups, with each single-origin coffee costing only about 6 yuan. This represents exceptional value compared to the tens of yuan per cup typically charged by coffee shops.

FrontStreet Coffee: A roastery in Guangzhou with a small shop but diverse selection of beans, where you can find both famous and lesser-known varieties. They also provide online services at https://shop104210103.taobao.com

Important Notice :

前街咖啡 FrontStreet Coffee has moved to new addredd:

FrontStreet Coffee Address: 315,Donghua East Road,GuangZhou

Tel:020 38364473