The first container with Ethiopian coffee arrived this summer. The second container is on its way. Mr. Seife Tuuloskorpi challenged the big chains and started to import coffee directly from Ethiopia.

How come that you started importing coffee from Ethiopia?
As an adult, I have several times gone back to Ethiopia to visit the orphanage, which a long time ago was my home. During one of those visits I met the coffee exporter Haile Selassie. The meeting with Haile was the beginning of EthiopianBeans. The combination of representing Ethiopian coffee in Sweden and at the same time learning more about another culture and my own roots makes my job a true happiness.

What is so special with the coffee from Ethiopia?
It is the homeland of the Arabica plant. The origin of the coffee we drink today is Ethiopia and that makes it special. The quality is exceptional. All my customers become lyrical when I bring my coffee. But the most exciting thing with Ethiopian coffee is that there is plenty left to discover. There are many tastes remaining.
 
What is the difference between doing business in Ethiopia and Sweden? 
Trust in the future is different in Ethiopia and Sweden and one of the biggest challenges. In Ethiopia many people, for obvious reasons, live as if there is no tomorrow, which leads to short-term decisions. 

What is the biggest challenge for an importer to overcome?
As I myself am not familiar with the language nor the culture I would say that the most crucial thing in the chain is to find reliable cooperation partners in Ethiopia. Another big challenge is to convince the head of sales on the established roasteries to start trading with me instead of the big trade houses.  

Do you like coffee?
Of course I do like coffee! To enjoy a good cup of coffee together with the Sunday paper when I know the origin, the people and the place - is a pleasure. It is also something I would like all people who drink my coffee to know; where the coffee comes from, how it has been processed, how the people who handle the coffee have been treated. There is a lot more to continue working with. In the meantime I do enjoy the coffee.