The Nairobi Coffee Exchange (NCE) auctioned 34,855 bags of coffee (50 kilos each) this week, generating Sh1.8 billion for farmers and estates. However, this marked a 6 percent decrease from the previous week’s sale of 37,204 bags.
The average price per 50-kilo bag also fell by 7 percent to Sh43,590, down from Sh46,824 last week. This translates to Sh866 per kilogram of clean coffee, with farmers expected to receive Sh107 per kilogram of delivered coffee.
Highlights of the Auction
- Top Performer: Gachatha Factory in Nyeri County secured the highest price of Sh57,690 per 50-kilo bag for 43 bags of Grade AA coffee.
- Premium Grades: Coffee of premium grades (AA and AB) comprised 21,487 bags, representing 62 percent of the total traded volume.
- Leading Brokers: Alliance Berries led with 13,564 bags, followed by Kirinyaga Slopes (4,068 bags), New KPCU (3,692 bags), KCCE-MA (3,684 bags), and Minnesota Marketers (2,831 bags).
- Top Buyers: Ibero Kenya Ltd purchased the highest volume at 10,682 bags worth Sh578 million, followed by C. Dorman Ltd (6,044 bags at Sh356 million), Louis Dreyfus Company (3,564 bags at Sh166 million), Sasini (K) Ltd (3,180 bags at Sh165.6 million), and Taylor Winch Ltd (3,161 bags at Sh156 million).
Call for Improved Quality and Market Access
NCE CEO Lisper Ndung’u highlighted the increased production of high-quality coffee, which has contributed to better earnings for farmers. She urged cooperative societies to provide extension services to farmers to further boost yields and quality.
“This auction reinforces the strength of Kenya’s coffee sector. The demand for our high-quality beans remains strong, but we must continue improving quality and market access to ensure farmers receive the best value for their produce,” said Ndung’u.
She also emphasized the importance of transparency and direct market linkages in strengthening Kenya’s coffee trade, noting that the current impressive prices were last seen 15 years ago.
The auction underscores the resilience of Kenya’s coffee industry while highlighting the need for sustained efforts to enhance productivity and market competitiveness.
