Looking Back: A Landmark Moment in Our Journey with Ethiopian Coffee

Nearly two decades ago, on 5 September 2007, Equal Exchange proudly became the first UK company to sign onto Ethiopia’s historic Coffee Trademarking Initiative—a moment that continues to shape our work today.

This ground-breaking licensing agreement, signed at the Ethiopian Embassy in London, was a bold step toward economic justice. It aimed to ensure that more of the value of Ethiopia’s world-renowned coffees—like Yirgacheffe, Sidamo, and Harar—stayed with the smallholder farmers who grow them. At the time, this was a revolutionary approach: using international trademark laws not to protect corporate profits, but to empower producers.

The initiative, led by Ethiopia’s government with support from farmer cooperatives, exporters, and allies like Oxfam, followed a global campaign that challenged the status quo—most notably, a dispute with Starbucks over the use of Ethiopian coffee names. For us at Equal Exchange, it was never just about coffee. It was about fairness, dignity, and shifting the balance of power in global trade.

Our partnership with the Oromia Farmers Co-operative—an inspiring network of over 22,000 smallholder farmers—was already strong by then. But this licensing agreement took things further. It was a public affirmation of our belief in trade that uplifts, not exploits.

And we’re still at it.

Today, we continue to offer our fair trade and Organic Ethiopian Yirgacheffe Roast and Ground Coffee—sourced with the same care and commitment to quality. Nearly 20 years on, it remains one of our most beloved coffees, not only for its bright, floral profile but for the story it tells: of resilience, innovation, and solidarity.

As we look ahead, we’re as committed as ever to building trade relationships that respect the people behind the products—and we’re proud to have been part of this historic moment.

You can still find our Ethiopian Yirgacheffe Roast and Ground Coffee at independent health food stores, and online at equalexchange.co.uk.

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