As the 2024/2025 coffee season approaches its close, Sale 37 at the Nairobi Coffee Exchange, held on Tuesday, August 26, 2025, delivered an impressive market performance. A total of 615,107 kilograms of coffee were traded, equivalent to 9,886 bags, generating revenue worth $4,945,789, approximately Ksh 638 million.
The auction stood out as one of the best this season, achieving the highest average price so far at $402 per 50kg bag. This translates to $8 per kilogram or Ksh 160 per kilogram of cherry, signaling strong demand and competitive bidding in the marketplace.
Grade AA Leads the Pack
Among the different coffee grades, Grade AA once again reaffirmed its dominance in quality and pricing. It commanded an average price of $459 per 50kg bag and reached a season peak of $491 per 50kg. This premium pricing reflects both the consistent global demand for top-grade Kenyan coffee and the increasing recognition of smallholder farmers’ efforts in maintaining high standards.
The standout lots of the sale came from Meru and Nandi counties. The highest price of the day went to KIANGUA Farmers Cooperative Society (FCS) CODE XBB13 in Meru, where 8 bags of Grade AA fetched $491 per bag. This was closely followed by a lot of 12 bags from KAPSOAS FCS in Nandi County, which attracted a price of $490 per bag. Another lot of 13 bags from KIANGUA FCS/KATHARE Factory in Meru fetched $489 per bag, cementing Meru’s reputation as a hub for premium coffee production.
Boost for Farmers and the Market
These results bring renewed optimism for coffee growers as the season draws to a close. Higher prices not only reward farmers for their commitment to quality but also inject confidence into the wider market. The strong showing by cooperatives such as KIANGUA and KAPSOAS demonstrates the critical role of collective marketing and quality control in boosting earnings for smallholder producers.
With the final weeks of the season underway, industry players will be watching closely to see if the momentum can be sustained. The strong demand for Grade AA beans suggests that Kenya’s coffee sector remains well-positioned to compete in global markets, ensuring farmers benefit from their hard work and resilience.
