12.06.2007 - 09:00am ET

(CSRwire) ADDIS ABABA/WASHINGTON DC - December 6, 2007 - Ethiopia is demonstrating that a producing country can reach globally to create a network of licensed distributors and co-promoters of its fine coffees. In 2004 Ethiopia began the process of seeking trademarks for some of its finest heritage coffees Sidamo, Yirgacheffe, Harar/Harrar with a view to setting up new partnerships with coffee roasters and retailers to promote these coffees and engage consumers.

"Our new and innovative network is growing at a fast pace and now reaches a fellow African nation, South Africa for the first time. We are delighted and look forward to our special partnership with IKhofi," said Getachew Mengistie, Director General of the Ethiopian Intellectual Property Office, which is spearheading the Trademarking and Licensing Initiative in Ethiopia.

"Since iKhofi Roasters was started, they have continuously demonstrated their respect for Ethiopia and the Ethiopian coffee farmers. The signing of the licensing agreement reinforces the relationship between Ethiopia and iKhofi and will enable this partnership to grow stronger," he added.

The iKhofi coffee company recently signed a licensing agreement with Ethiopia, making it the first South African licensed distributor to join the network. Ethiopia’s network is now made up of companies from and operating across the globe, with partners in the United States, Europe, Japan, and now South Africa.

iKhofi Roasters was started by Dr. Joe Wollbrandt when he was visiting the University of Addis Ababa in 1998 and tried a cup of Ethiopian coffee. The founder admits: "This cup of coffee changed my life!" This led to the birth of iKhofi, a small company dedicated to bringing consumers the best Ethiopian coffee. Not only does iKhofi especially appreciate Ethiopia's fine coffees but also recognize the skill and knowledge of the coffee producers behind the fine coffees. The unusual name, iKhofi, refers to their practice as environment and people conscience coffee possessing unmatched gourmet flavor.

Dr. Wollbrandt commented on signing the agreement, "Ikhofi would like to be part of the initiative and the network of licensed distributors that attempt to protect and or defend the Ethiopian coffee heritage. Encouraging the farmers to produce exceptional coffee enables us to provide our customers with an exceptional coffee experience."

A campaign is underway to encourage more coffee companies to sign the licensing agreement, with a target goal of 150-200. Stemming from the success Ethiopia has had in their coffee sector, the Specialty Coffee Association of America has asked it to be the Profile Country at it's 2008 Annual Conference, the first African country to be given this honour. This platform, which attracts 10,000 professionals from the specialty coffee industry around the world, is Ethiopia a unique opportunity to advance its coffee initiative with others in the industry as well as showcase its rich coffee history and culture.

Many other producers in developing countries are keenly watching Ethiopia's experiences.

Contact details:

EIPO : Getachew Mengistie +251 115 534 969
iKhofi Roasters: Dr. Joe Wollbrandt +27 (11) 4750773
http://www.ikhofi.co.za
The Ethiopian Embassy in South Africa (002712) 3463542

Notes:

The Trademarking and Licensing Initiative is governed by a specially convened stakeholder committee with representation from cooperatives, the private sector and government. The Ethiopian Intellectual Property Office (EIPO) is coordinator and runs a dedicated unit to run the Ethiopian Trademarking and Licensing Initiative. The initative benefits from the technical advise and support of LYIP-a Washington based NGO

More information is available on the dedicated Website: www.ethiopiancoffeenetwork.com

For more information please contact: