In a remarkable showcase of Ethiopia’s coffee industry, a single kilogram of coffee was sold for an astonishing 102,000 birr (approximately $980.64) during this year’s Cup of Excellence competition, setting a new record for the nation.

The Cup of Excellence, now in its fourth year in Ethiopia, is an international coffee tasting competition designed to elevate the quality of coffee produced by local farmers. This year’s event, which took place over the past seven months, featured various programs aimed at promoting superior coffee quality and rewarding exceptional producers.

The competition culminated in a thrilling online auction, where 27 winning coffees were sold to specialty coffee buyers from around the globe. The auction attracted significant interest, with bidders vying for the top-quality selections that represent Ethiopia’s diverse coffee heritage.