EFICO’s Origin Offices Snapshot
Let’s begin by highlighting EFICO’s extensive presence across all coffee-producing regions. Our local teams collaborate closely with our headquarters in Antwerp, as well as with EFICO sales offices located in Belgium, Germany, Switzerland, Spain, and Eastern Europe.
It is precisely thanks to these sustainable global partnerships that we at EFICO can supply quality coffee from any region at any time with a wide diversity of flavours.
Precisely because EFICO is not fully vertically integrated in the countries of origin, we at EFICO can always collaborate with preferred partners without losing objectivity and neutrality in the field of quality and sustainability –these are the very issues that hold significant importance for us at EFICO.
Below, we provide insights into our origin offices, giving you a closer look at each origin.
Establishing offices at the origin grants EFICO -as a green coffee importer, a substantial competitive edge.
✔️ Direct Sourcing: Being present at the origin allows EFICO to directly source coffee beans from local farmers and cooperatives. This guarantees superior quality control while nurturing long-term relationships with suppliers, elevating both the quality of the beans and the trust between parties.
✔️ Quality Assurance: By having offices at the origin, we can personally inspect the quality of the coffee beans before they are shipped. This helps in ensuring that we receive high-quality beans that meet your customers’ expectations.
✔️ Cost Efficiency: Since we are directly sourcing from farmers, we can reduce costs associated with intermediaries. Additionally, having local offices help streamline logistical processes, further reducing expenses.
✔️ Market Knowledge: Being on the ground provides valuable insights into local market dynamics, trends, and fluctuations in supply and demand. This knowledge allows us to make informed decisions and adapt your strategies accordingly.
✔️ Proximity: Proximity naturally offers numerous advantages in terms of time, communication, and familiarity with local customs. Our colleagues in EFICO’s origin offices work -literally & figuratively closely alongside coffee producers, facilitating seamless collaboration.
✔️ Sustainability: Operating in origin grants us access to the support and resources offered by the EFICO Foundation, enhancing our sustainable practices and contributing to the well-being of coffee farmers and the environment.
Overall, having offices at the origin when you’re a European green coffee exporter facilitates direct sourcing, quality control, cost efficiency, market knowledge, and sustainability, all of which contribute to the success of your business.
EFICO remains steadfast in its commitment to act locally, while always thinking globally, shaping a brighter, more sustainable future for all.
EFICO PRESENTS….
EFICO ETHIOPIA | KURU
Tribal conflicts can significantly disrupt operations. Different groups may hinder coffee transportation within their districts, causing delays in reaching Addis Ababa. Roadblocks from Addis to the port can further impede progress. Additionally, challenges such as power outages due to inadequate infrastructure or government measures, including internet or network restrictions for security reasons, can complicate matters. The ever-changing landscape of governmental regulations may necessitate frequent updates to contracts and documents. Mechanical failures, labor strikes, and the high demand for containers, trucks, and ships can also pose logistical challenges.
Having a dedicated team in Ethiopia allows us to navigate through bureaucratic hurdles and unforeseen obstacles efficiently. We operate with a proactive approach, ensuring that we take charge of the situation rather than waiting for events to unfold. Our logistics and finance experts in Antwerp and Zeebrugge collaborate seamlessly with our team in Ethiopia to coordinate all aspects of the shipping process. Together, we integrate all necessary components to ensure the successful shipment of our coffees.
In the heart of Addis Ababa, KURU and EFICO forged a partnership based on expertise and mutual respect. With over 30 years of experience in the Ethiopian coffee industry, KURU brought valuable insights to the table. Since 1997, our collaboration has deepened, thanks to KURU’s in-depth knowledge of the Ethiopian coffee market.
In April 2009, KURU Ethiopia emerged as a committed exporter of washed and unwashed coffee beans for EFICO. This strategic move strengthened our alliance, allowing us to navigate the complexities of the coffee trade together.
EFICO KURU is focused on responsible sourcing practices in Ethiopia, particularly in four key regions:
- Sidama Region I Kolla Washing Station: showcasing the unique terroir of Sidama.
- Yirgacheffe Region I Konga Washing Station: securing a consistent supply of exceptional Yirgacheffe coffee.
- Guji Region I Metekuma and Suke Washing Stations: resulting in coffees with rich flavours and vibrant acidity that epitomise the Guji terroir.
- Djimmah Region I Three Partnerships: exhibiting unique flavour profiles and contributing to the rich tapestry of Ethiopian coffee.
Our Sidamo and Guji coffees are partially certified organic and Rainforest Alliance certified, underscoring our commitment to environmental sustainability and ethical practices. By choosing these coffees, you support responsible farming methods and enjoy the finest Ethiopian coffee experiences.
EFICO PRESENTS….
EFICO BRAZIL
Full service, from plantation to export:
EFICO Brazil was established in 2011 to manage our Brazilian supply chain and offers tailor-made services, such as the selection of high-quality Brazilian producers and exporters, quality control, traceability, sustainability, and follow-up of all administration and logistics flows.
Our Team:
We are a team of nine professionals with ample experience in all areas of the coffee business: trading, quality, logistics, document control and accounting.
Eight of our team members have nearly 40 years of experience in the field. This experience, along with our impeccable reputation and decades-long relationships with suppliers, is extremely valuable when sourcing the best quality and prices to meet the needs of EFICO’s clients’.
Location:
Our office is located in the historical city of Santos, São Paulo – one of the oldest cities in Brazil and the country’s biggest export hub. It is also the world’s most important coffee port, exporting more than 80% of all Brazil’s coffee. In the first eight months of the current crop year alone (July 2023 to Feb 2024), Brazil exported more than 30 million bags, 24 million of which left through the port of Santos. Two of the country’s main airports are within driving distance (90 minutes).
Reach:
All of the country’s coffee-producing regions. On our latest field trip, part of our team went to Rondônia (just below the Amazon), 3000 kilometers from Santos. The whole trip, door-to-door, took 15 hours, including time spent in two airports, flying time and driving. And this is just one of the many coffee-producing regions we visit every year, some more than once.
Events:
We take part in all of the important coffee events in Brazil, in addition to some in Europe, and even Australia. Despite our long experience, we are always reinventing ourselves, becoming more complete as professions and staying up-to-date with the latest tendencies.
EFICO PRESENTS….
EFICO CENTRAL AMERICA
Boots on the Ground:
EFICO’s Central American origin office (based in Guatemala) provides a local point of contact for our preferred coffee producers and exporters in Central America, the Caribbean Islands, Peru and Colombia.
This representation enhances communication, trust, and long-term partnerships -which are essential in the coffee trading business. Additionally, we are in the same time zone as our suppliers, which allows us to work with them throughout the day and resolve any situation on the spot.
Having a local presence provides firsthand knowledge of the current coffee market trends, challenges, and opportunities in Guatemala and the broader Central American region. This information is crucial for making informed decisions and adapting to market changes. An office in Guatemala provides a local point of contact for coffee producers and exporters.
Having an office in Guatemala facilitates smoother logistics and access to local markets. This results in more efficient transportation of coffee beans, reduced costs, and improved market penetration.
This representation enhances communication, trust, and long-term partnerships -which are essential in the coffee trading business. Additionally, we are in the same time zone as our suppliers, which allows us to work with them throughout the day and resolve any situation.
Having an office in Guatemala facilitates smoother logistics and access to local markets. This results in more efficient transportation of coffee beans, reduced costs, and improved market penetration.
Quality control and Assurance:
Our local presence allows for more effective quality control measures, including regular visits to coffee farms and processing facilities. This helps ensuring that the coffee meets our standards and specifications.
Participation in regional coffee events:
Having an origin office in Guatemala allows us to actively participate in key regional coffee events, such as trade fairs, industry conferences, and producer meetings. This participation not only helps us stay updated on the latest trends and developments in the coffee industry but also provides valuable networking opportunities with other industry stakeholders. By engaging in these events, we can strengthen our relationships, showcase our commitment to the local coffee community, and further enhance our reputation as a trusted and reliable partner in the region.
Sustainable Practices I Traceability:
Renaud Cuchet – M.D. EFICO Centram: “I am happy to say that I am part of the EFICO Sustainable Sourcing Team for Latin America, in charge of working together with the company’s suppliers towards the EUDR legislation. Our Belgian headquarters have also onboarded an additional sustainability expert to guide and manage the entire process for our global origin, so that EFICO can offer full compliance guarantees to their roasters. In the meantime, this has become a real team effort, even our international coffee traders are part of the process now.”
Sustainable Practices I EFICO Foundation:
With an operational office in Guatemala, we gain direct access to the support and resources provided by the EFICO Foundation. Established in 2003, the EFICO Foundation is dedicated to enhancing the livelihoods, prosperity, and environment of coffee farmers. By utilizing the foundation’s expertise, funding, and programs, we can enhance our sustainable sourcing practices, bolster community support, and foster a more sustainable future for coffee production.
“Our strong partnership with coffee origin growers and suppliers gives us valuable insight into the needs of these communities”, EFICO’s Central America’s Director Renaud Cuchet explains. “To address these needs effectively, we’ve launched -together with EFICO Foundation specific projects. Our aim is to actively contribute to the betterment of coffee communities. You’re welcome to join us in supporting these initiatives.”
EFICO stays true to its commitment to local engagement while consistently embracing a global viewpoint, actively fostering a brighter and more sustainable future for all.
KUDO’S, INSPIRATION & REFERENCES
EFICO : Origin Snapshot Brazil
EFICO : Origin Snapshot Ethiopia
EFICO : Interview with EFICO Central America’s Director Renaud Cuchet
EFICO : Connecting the value chain
EFICO FOUNDATION : 2003-2023 20 years: EFICO FOUNDATION, 20 years of IMPACT
EFICO FOUNDATION : EFICO FOUNDATION Partnership Impact Report
SEABRIDGE : Green coffee logistics