Be Caution of Fake Companies Using the “Bench Maji Coffee Union” Brand.

Dear Valued customers and all partners,

We, at Bench Maji Coffee Farmer Cooperative Union, have investigated and confirmed that there are a group of people acting as if they are our Union, with the prefix “Bench Maji” and Suffix “Union” on their name, and trying to approach our clients and partners.

According to our research, The Cooperative union has an evidence that a fraudulent company uses our trademarks and copyrighted products to sell a lower quality coffee product for a cheaper price. Our union is established according to Ethiopian and International laws and currently exports coffee to different parts of the world. This doesn’t not only create income opportunity to thousands of hardworking farmers and their families in our region but also generates millions of dollars in foreign currency which is badly needed in Ethiopia.

In addition to this, BMCFCU has worked very hard to enhance the quality of coffees produced by our members to the level that attracts a higher coffee price from international buyers. The name “Bench Maji Coffee” is now one of the most recognized specialty coffees that is available in the international market.

However, in violation of local and international trademark and copyright of “Bench Maji Coffee” some local companies are using our well-earned popular and recognized brand to cheat and sell a lower quality coffee to the international market. This has not only confused local and national authorities but also our valued clients and partners across the globe. According to Ethiopia’s Cooperatives union law, BMCFCU is the only registered and recognized organization allowed to export coffee under “Bench Maji Coffee Union”. Any other organization is prohibited to use this name or become certified to sell coffee products under our name.

Please kindly be informed that there is no other “Bench Maji Coffee Union” for it is against the FDRE Proclamations of Cooperative and for it is also against the international Certification and traceability System. Therefore, take note of this and be sure that it is a real “Bench Maji Coffee Union” with our brand logo (attached below) before you take any action for anyone coming to you as a “coffee Union in Bench Maji”.