From 27 December to 3 January, Italian espresso machine manufacturer La Marzocco debuted its Tour de Coffee cycling event through the coffee trails of South West Ethiopia.
The event, in collaboration with the Oromia Tourism Commission, was held across the cities of Jimma, Buno Bedelle, and Ilubabor. It culminated in a screening of the documentary The Rise of Espresso by Accademia del Caffè Espresso, which tells the story of espresso’s evolution from its origins to its worldwide cultural prominence.
Tour de Coffee was said to offer participants a chance to explore the cultural, historical, and natural beauty of Ethiopa’s coffee growing regions.
The cycling event included visits to various historic and tourist attractions, traditional and contemporary coffee tasting experiences, and cultural performances.
“The Tour de Coffee event is a unique opportunity to showcase Ethiopia’s rich coffee heritage to the world,” says Lelise Dhugaa, Commissioner of the Oromia Tourism Commission.
“By hosting The Rise of Espresso in Jima, we not only promote our region’s coffee culture but also encourage sustainable tourism practices that benefit local communities. We are thrilled to share our story and heritage with the global coffee community.”
Giada Blondi, Global Cultural and Communication Director at La Marzocco, adds: “This initiative provides an exceptional opportunity to connect coffee lovers and professionals from around the world. By celebrating coffee’s origins in Ethiopia, we contribute to a deeper understanding of the cultural significance of espresso and the global coffee community.”
