The Wire

Ethiopia have attempted to get a foothold in their coffee trade, by attempting to trademark some of their most famous brands – Sidamo, Hara and Yigracheffe. If they were successful, it could mean extra funds of up to $116 million for their coffee farmers. But before they got too far, they hit a big wall called Starbucks, who, according to Oxfam, used their bagraining power in the National Coffee Association to block their trademark application. So why would a company that heralds supporting the minority farmer, be holding this appeal back?