Primrose Specialty Coffee is a leading Ethiopian coffee exporter operating under the official name Primrose Service Provider PLC, with a global brand presence known as Primrose Specialty Coffee. The company specializes in sourcing, processing, and exporting high-grade Ethiopian Arabica coffees to specialty markets around the world.
Brief History
Primrose was established in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, with a vision to bridge the gap between Ethiopian coffee farmers and the global specialty coffee community. Over the years, the company has built a strong reputation by working closely with smallholder farmers and cooperatives to ensure consistent quality, traceability, and fair trade practices. It has since grown into a top-tier exporter recognized by specialty roasters and buyers worldwide.
Core Business
The company operates in the following key areas:
- Export of traceable, high-scoring specialty coffees from Ethiopia’s prime coffee-growing regions
- Processing innovation with experimental fermentation techniques
- Strategic sourcing and lot management through vertical integration with farms and washing stations
Product and Service Offerings
Specialty Coffees
- Yirgacheffe Grade 1: Aricha, Kochere, Konga – prized for floral and citrus notes
- Sidamo Grade 1: Shakissonsebo, Dimtu – known for their fruity complexity
- Guji Grade 1: Masina – balanced cup profiles with berry and chocolate tones
- Limu Grade 1: Renowned for smooth body and spicy undertones
Experimental Coffees
- Carbonic Maceration (CM Selection): Mimicking winemaking fermentation, enhancing clarity and aroma
- Anaerobic Fermentation: Controlled oxygen-free processing to amplify sweetness
- Supernatural Processing: Natural with extended fermentation and drying techniques
- Honey Processing: Yellow, Red, and Black honey methods for differentiated mouthfeel and complexity
Commercial Grade Coffees
- Washed Arabica: Clean, consistent cup profiles for bulk buyers
- Natural Arabica: Sun-dried with fruit-forward flavor profiles, popular for high-volume markets
Specialisation and Core USP
Primrose’s differentiation lies in:
- Traceability: Each lot is mapped from farm to export
- Quality Control: On-site cupping labs and quality teams at every washing station
- Innovation: Among few Ethiopian exporters offering CM, anaerobic, and honey processes at scale
Financials
As a private limited company, financial statements are not publicly available. However, based on export volumes and global buyer references, the company is considered among the top 5 emerging specialty coffee exporters in Ethiopia.
Shipment Data
Data from coffee trade sources and buyer networks suggest:
- Annual exports exceed 80 containers, primarily to Europe, North America, Japan, and South Korea
- Key partners include boutique roasters and direct trade buyers
- Product scoring ranges between 85–89 points (SCA scale)
Target Market
Primrose serves:
- Specialty coffee roasters seeking microlots with unique processing
- Direct trade coffee importers in Europe, North America, and East Asia
- Coffee labs, barista schools, and coffee competitions
Capabilities
- Owns and operates multiple washing and drying stations across Yirgacheffe, Sidamo, Guji, and Limu
- In-house quality control lab with certified Q-graders
- Custom lot preparation for single-origin roasters
- Integrated logistics for FOB and CIF deliveries
Certifications and Compliance Records
- Ethiopian Coffee Export License
- Compliant with EU MRLs (Maximum Residue Levels)
- Organic Certification (select farms and lots)
- Active member of the Ethiopian Coffee and Tea Authority
Customer Testimonials
Buyers from Japan, South Korea, and Germany have praised Primrose for:
- Transparency in sourcing
- Responsiveness and supply chain coordination
- Cup quality and consistency
These testimonials are visible in cupping competition results and green coffee reviews on specialty platforms.
Major Achievements
- First Ethiopian exporter to introduce CM-processed coffee to the South Korean market
- Consistent cupping scores above 86 in international reviews
- Featured at major events like World of Coffee (WOC) and SCA Expo
- Strategic partnerships with global direct trade roasters and importers
Primrose Specialty Coffee exemplifies the future of Ethiopian coffee—where heritage meets innovation, and where transparent, premium sourcing meets global specialty demand.
