The Nairobi Coffee Exchange (NCE) Sale 32 of the 2024/2025 season, held on July 22, 2025, recorded impressive results, reflecting a healthy demand for Kenyan coffee. During the auction, a total of 3,626 bags, equivalent to 224,947 kg of coffee, were sold, generating a total value of $1,468,365.74, approximately Ksh 189 million.
The highlight of the sale was a premium lot of grade AA coffee from Bungoma County, which fetched the highest price of $393 per bag (Ksh 139 per kg of cherry). This batch, consisting of only 9 bags, showcased the strong market preference for high-quality beans, which continue to command top prices in the global market.
Grade AB was the dominant category in terms of volume and revenue. It accounted for 1,666 bags, weighing 101,899 kg, and brought in $703,288.16. This represented nearly 45% of the total coffee traded, underlining AB’s consistent popularity among buyers due to its balanced quality and competitive pricing.
Overall, the auction maintained an average price of $326 per 50 kg bag (Ksh 129 per kg of cherry). This performance demonstrated the steady demand for Kenyan coffee, which is globally renowned for its rich flavor profiles and superior cup quality. The strong showing of premium grades AA and AB reaffirmed their critical role in sustaining high price points and market confidence.
In contrast, lower grades such as UG2 and ML were traded at more moderate levels. UG2 averaged $210.30 per bag, while ML sold at an average of $174.60. These grades, although less sought after compared to AA and AB, still found buyers due to their affordability and suitability for blending.
The price range for the auction reflected significant quality variation across grades, with the lowest recorded price at $163.00 per bag and the highest at $393.00. This wide pricing spectrum highlights the competitive nature of the Kenyan coffee auction system, where quality differentiation plays a central role in determining market value.
The results of Sale 32 underline Kenya’s position as a leading supplier of premium coffee to the global market. With steady demand and favorable prices, the outlook for upcoming auctions remains positive.
