Premium coffee beans have been scarce for some time. The demand is specifically spiking for high-grade Arabica beans, the kind characterized by complex acidity, rich distinct flavor notes, and smooth finishes.
Global shortages and supply chain disruptions have severely affected premium Arabica and single-origin coffee availability. Weather extremes in major coffee regions like Brazil and Vietnam have created tight inventories, which has particularly impacted delicate single-origin beans and mocha varieties.
The Arabica coffee, Coffea arabica: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Coffea_arabica
Furthermore, the conflict involving Iran has significantly impacted global agricultural supply chains, indirectly pushing up coffee bean prices. The closure of the Strait of Hormuz and heightened geopolitical risks have led to skyrocketing global shipping rates, maritime insurance premiums, and fertilizer costs, making coffee production and logistics substantially more expensive.
Coffee regions of the world: https://www.aboutcoffee.org/origins/coffee-regions-of-the-world/
Ethiopia is the birthplace of Coffea arabica, known for its unmatched genetic diversity and premium, complex flavor profiles. The country’s ideal microclimates, high-altitude volcanic soils, and traditional harvesting methods produce some of the most sought-after specialty beans in the world.
When sourcing premium Ethiopian beans, you will typically find coffee categorized by its specific growing region, each offering distinct tasting notes:
Yirgacheffe: Widely considered the gold standard of Ethiopian coffee. These beans feature brilliant citrus acidity with prominent floral, jasmine, and fruit notes (like lemon and blueberry).
Sidamo: Known for a balanced, full-bodied cup with juicy citrus undertones and a sweet, spicy finish. It is excellent both as a pour-over and as a cold brew.
Harrar: Grown in eastern Ethiopia, these are typically dry-processed (natural) and known for bold, heavy-bodied profiles featuring complex chocolate, spice, and wine notes.
Guji: Sourced from the Guji Zone, these beans share similar qualities to Yirgacheffe but are celebrated for rich tropical fruit profiles, heavy sweetness, and tea-like finishes.
Coffee production in Ethiopia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Coffee_production_in_Ethiopia
However, importing Ethiopian coffee beans is widely considered challenging. The process involves navigating a mix of stringent government export regulations, rigorous international sustainability laws, and complex local logistics.
There is an interesting company which is involved in coffee bean production in the city of Ueda in Nagano Prefecture, Japan. The company named Shinshu Tomoet Farm is located in an unexpected, cool place in the middle of the Honshu island.
Foresee coffee Japan Typica Washed: (In Japanese) https://tomoetfarm.stores.jp/
Shinshu Tomoet Farm is operated by plastic molding and processing manufacturer Tomoet Engineering Co., Ltd. operated under the brand name Tomoet Plastics: (In Japanese) https://www.tomoetplastics.com/.
Tomoet Plastics is well-known for leveraging 50 years of traditional plastic and rope manufacturing into high-performance, ecofriendly biodegradable alternatives. Their products break down naturally into water and CO₂ in soil without leaving harmful microplastics.
Their standout biodegradable product lines include Tomoet Bioline™, Biodegradable Ropes, and Repellent / Food Damage Prevention Bands.