Coffee
Coffee is one of the most popular beverages in the world. Although its origin is not exact, it is mostly associated with Ethiopia. The types of coffee grown in Ethiopia include forest coffee, semi-forest coffee. Semi-plantation coffee, plantation coffee and home-garden coffee. On a commercial scale, coffee is mostly grown in an estimated eighty countries. However, Ethiopia is the only country in the world that consumes 50% of its coffee production. Coffee enjoys wide popularity across the globe and derives its history in ancient Ethiopia.
The prices of coffee are volatile across the world, ranging from low to high seasons. For instance, in July 2017, the price for the commodity was an average of 132.98 US cents/lb. The price was the highest in 17 months (International coffee council, 2016). Nevertheless, the price was still lower than the 10-year average of 137.27 cents. Frustration in coffee prices has led to losses for farmers and resulting in a shift to other crops.
The International Coffee Organization (ICO) records show a price fluctuation of between 41.17 US cents/lb and 231.24 between 2000 and 2011 (International coffee council, 2016). However, records show that coffee was a tradable commodity in Amsterdam from the 16th century. The prices of coffee remain uncertain due to seasons of unfavourable climate that affect the item’s production.
Coffee required a well-distributed rainfall for optimal productivity. The crop thrives under an annual rainfall of between 763 mm and 2540 mm well distributed throughout the year. Besides, the crop produces better yield under temperatures of between 18-24 degrees Celsius. The harvesting of coffee is through the picking of ripe berries. In order to ensure good quality coffee; the harvesters must take precautions to pick the cherries without causing damage. Farmers can take place through strip or selective methods (Haile & Kang, 2019). In strip picking, the harvester picks whole coffee cherries at one time, including the overripen and underripe berries. Selective harvesting yields better quality coffee as the harvester only collects ripe berries.
Apart from the beverage, the processing of coffee yields several products. The coffee pulp and husks collected wet or dry contain carbohydrates, minerals, and organic components. The coffee processing process also produces coffee silver skin rich in dietary fibre and provides rich antioxidant and phenolic activity (Janissen & Huynh, 2018). Spent coffee grounds comprise an estimated 50% of the coffee bean’s dry weight and result from the solubilization of instant coffee production.
The supply chain for coffee entails the journey from the farm to value addition to the final consumer. For instance, in Vietnam, farmers have adopted sustainable cultivation methods, including mixed cropping, to reduce the risk of uncertainty (Nguyen & Sarker, 2018). The supply chain also entails transport logistics and marketing strategies to increase product visibility. Manufacturers must adequately label coffee to suit the need of the consumer. Besides, the process involves reverse logistics that consider recycling packaging techniques and adopting environmentally friendly materials (Nguyen & Sarker, 2018). A well-organized supply chain for coffee ensures that the product reaches the target market.
Coffee is an agricultural product with roots in Ethiopia. Although the product enjoys popularity globally, it occupies a special place in Ethiopia where more than 50% of the coffee produced in the country enjoys local consumption. The product yields several by-products, including pulp and husks, that increase the utility of the product. Although the coffee price is subject to seasonal fluctuations, proper supply chain management can ensure more excellent consumer and profitability value for the farmer. Coffee remains one of the most popular beverages consumed across the world, deriving its origin from Ethiopia.
References
Haile, M., & Kang, W. H. (2019). The harvest and post-harvest management practices’ impact on coffee quality. In Coffee-Production and Research. IntechOpen.
International coffee council (2016). Assessing the economic sustainability of coffee farming. International coffee council 117 council, London, UK. http://www.ico.org/documents/cy2015-16/icc-117-6e-economic-sustainability.pdf
Janissen, B., & Huynh, T. (2018). Chemical composition and value-adding applications of coffee industry by-products: A review. Resources, Conservation and Recycling, 128, 110-117.
Nguyen, G. N., & Sarker, T. (2018). Sustainable coffee supply chain management: a case study in Buon Me Thuot City, Daklak, Vietnam. International Journal of Corporate Social Responsibility, 3(1), 1.