Nairobi, Kenya – The Nairobi Coffee Exchange (NCE) auction generated Sh.1.8 billion for Kenyan coffee farmers and estates, despite a decrease in both volume and average price. A total of 34,855 bags (50kg each) were traded, a 6 percent drop from the previous week's 37,204 bags.

The average price per bag fell by 7 percent to Sh. 43,590, down from Sh. 46,824. This translates to Sh. 866 per kilogram of clean coffee, with farmers expected to receive Sh. 107 per kilogram of delivered coffee.

Gachatha Factory in Nyeri County achieved the highest price, selling 43 bags of grade AA coffee for Sh. 57,690 per 50kg bag. Premium grades AA and AB comprised 62 percent of the total traded volume, totaling 21,487 bags.

Alliance Berries led brokers with 13,564 bags traded, followed by Kirinyaga Slopes, New KPCU, KCCE-MA, and Minnesota Marketers. Key buyers included Ibero Kenya Ltd., C. Dorman Ltd., Louis Dreyfus Company, Sasini (K) Ltd., and Taylor Winch Ltd.

NCE Chief Executive Officer Lisper Ndung’u highlighted the increased production of high-quality coffee and its positive impact on farmer earnings. She urged cooperative societies to enhance extension services to 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," Ndung’u stated. She also noted the current prices were reminiscent of those seen 15 years ago, emphasizing the importance of transparency and direct market linkages in strengthening Kenya’s coffee trade.

[Copyright (c) Global Economic Times. All Rights Reserved.]