NAIROBI, Kenya- Kenya’s coffee farmers just had a payday to remember. The latest auction at the Nairobi Coffee Exchange (NCE) has raked in a whopping Ksh 718 million, making it one of the most lucrative in recent history.
After a three-week hiatus, the auction saw nearly 20,000 bags of coffee change hands, with prices that have everyone in the industry buzzing.
If you thought Kenyan coffee was already a big deal, think again. The auction saw some jaw-dropping bids, especially for the coveted Grade AA coffee.
These beans, known for their top-tier quality, fetched as much as Ksh 50,764 per 50-kilogram bag. Yes, you read that right—over fifty thousand shillings for a single bag.
The Kimathi factory led the charge, with its Grade AA beans setting the record price. Not far behind were Kiairia, Mihuti, and Gatomboya factories, whose coffee also commanded premium prices.
The auction’s results are a testament to the enduring appeal of Kenyan coffee on the global stage. With international buyers snapping up these high-quality beans, it’s clear that when it comes to coffee, Kenya is still a heavyweight contender.
While Grade AA beans stole the spotlight, they weren’t the only stars of the show. Grade AB coffee, which accounted for nearly 40pc of the auction’s volume, also saw strong demand.
In total, over 19,000 bags were sold, with the average price per bag clocking in at Ksh 31,070.
Lisper Ndung’u, CEO of the Nairobi Coffee Exchange, was understandably pleased with the results.
“We saw a significant number of bags fetch above Ksh 39,000 per bag,” she noted. Ndung’u emphasized the importance of quality, urging farmers to keep their focus on producing the best beans possible. After all, when it comes to coffee, quality is king – and it pays handsomely.
This auction isn’t just a win for farmers—it’s a win for Kenya’s coffee industry as a whole.
The strong prices achieved, particularly for premium grades, underscore the value of maintaining high standards in coffee production.
With global demand for Kenyan coffee showing no signs of slowing down, there’s a clear opportunity for farmers to capitalize on this momentum.
The Nairobi Coffee Exchange plays a pivotal role in this success, providing a transparent platform where prices reflect the true value of the beans.
As more international buyers flock to these auctions, the message is clear: high-quality Kenyan coffee is in high demand, and those who produce it stand to reap substantial rewards.
