The Nairobi Coffee Exchange Sale 35, held on Tuesday, August 12, 2025, showcased robust trading activity and notable price variations across coffee grades. A total of 10,099 bags, weighing 627,415 kilograms, were traded, generating USD 4,294,775.94 in revenue approximately KSh 554 million.
Market performance reflected the diverse quality of coffee on offer, with prices ranging widely between the highest at USD 419.00 per 50kg bag and the lowest at USD 194.00 per 50kg bag. The top price of USD 419.00 was achieved for 20 bags of AA grade coffee sourced from various growers, including notable lots from Muisini Farmers’ Cooperative Society in Machakos County.
The overall average price across all grades stood at USD 342.26 per 50kg bag. When converted to cherry value, this equates to about KSh 136 per kilogram (gross), pointing to healthy demand and competitive bidding among buyers.
Grade AA maintained its position as the best-performing grade during the sale. On average, AA fetched USD 383.79 per 50kg bag, reinforcing its reputation for premium quality in both local and international markets. At the other end of the spectrum, lower grades such as UG3 averaged USD 197.00 per 50kg bag, reflecting differences in bean size, cup quality, and demand from specific buyers.
The results underline the continued importance of quality in determining market prices at the exchange. Higher-grade coffees consistently attract stronger bids, offering better returns for farmers who invest in proper agronomic practices, post-harvest handling, and processing.
The Nairobi Coffee Exchange continues to serve as a critical marketplace for Kenyan coffee, linking producers with both domestic and international buyers. Its structured bidding system ensures transparent price discovery while promoting fair competition.
For producers, these results reaffirm the value of targeting higher grades through quality-focused production. For buyers, the auction remains a source of consistent supply, with opportunities to secure both premium and standard-grade coffees depending on market needs.
As the coffee season progresses, stakeholders will be watching closely to see whether strong demand for AA and other top grades continues, especially in light of fluctuating global market trends and shifting consumer preferences.
