Starbucks has launched Single-Origin Sun-Dried Ethiopia Sidamo coffee in the US and Canada.

With flavours of black cherry and dark chocolate, this product is the latest in a new series of single-origin coffees. The brand aims to invite customers to discover whole-bean coffees and the drink is available for a limited time in Starbucks stores and online.

Starbucks' coffee buyer Elliot Bentzen said: “In Ethiopia, coffee is not only a beverage to be enjoyed but a ceremony that is cherished as an integral part of Ethiopian culture.

“This ceremony is a sign of friendship and respect.”

"In Ethiopia, coffee is not only a beverage to be enjoyed but a ceremony that is cherished as an integral part of Ethiopian culture."

While most Ethiopian coffee is usually processed using the washed method, Starbucks began a collaboration with Ethiopian farmers in 2005 to apply a natural processing method.

Starbucks claims its premium beans are meticulously tended, with each cherry ripened and handpicked at the peak of its flavour. These coffee cherries are spread on raised beds in the hot sunshine and each bean absorbs flavours from the fruit as it dries.

Bentzen added: “When success of this quality is achieved, it produces an extraordinary coffee with notes of chocolate, fruit and blackberry with a hint of jasmine.”