For roasters
Start with the grade
Ethiopian coffee is graded primarily by defect count and screen size. Specialty buyers focus on Grade 1 and Grade 2. Commercial roasters and blenders often use Grade 4 and Grade 5. The grade tells you consistency, not necessarily flavor, but it is the first filter when you buy green coffee wholesale.
Grade 1 & Grade 2
Grade 1 allows zero primary defects and very few secondary defects. Grade 2 allows slightly more. Most 85+ cupping lots sold to specialty roasters fall into these grades. Prices range from roughly $6 to $9+ per kilo FOB for current-crop lots.
Grade 4 & Grade 5
These grades are common for blends, espresso bases, and volume programs. They are less expensive and more variable in cup profile. Expect pricing around $3.50 to $5 per kilo.
Screen size
Screen 18+ beans are larger and often priced higher, but size is not quality. Some of the most complex cups come from smaller screen sizes. Match screen size to your roasting style and customer expectations.
Always cup the sample first
Pre-shipment and spot samples are non-negotiable. A sample should represent the exact lot you will receive, not a better selection from the same warehouse. When you work with a direct-trade supplier, samples are pulled from the sealed export lot and shipped with traceability documents.
Understand the contract terms
Wholesale coffee contracts include grade, processing method, bag count, weight, FOB or CIF terms, delivery window, and payment terms. Forward contracts secure coffee before harvest or during milling. Spot purchases ship from inventory already in the destination country.
Plan for shipping and logistics
A full 20-foot container holds 320 standard 60kg bags, or about 19,200 kg. If you do not need a container, many suppliers offer split lots or LCL shipments. Standard export bags are jute with GrainPro or Ecotact liners to protect against moisture and odor.
Compare pricing honestly
The lowest FOB price is not always the lowest landed price. Ask about milling fees, export documentation, ocean freight, insurance, customs clearance, and inland trucking. Transparent suppliers list these costs upfront. You can see our current Ethiopian coffee wholesale pricing directly on our site.
