The Nairobi Coffee Exchange kicked off the 2025/2026 trading season on a strong note, with Sale 1 held on October 7th, 2025, recording impressive returns. A total of 11,179 bags, weighing approximately 695,939 kilograms, were traded across various brokers, generating USD 5.22 million, equivalent to about Ksh 704 million. The overall average price stood at USD 375.24 per 50 kg bag, translating to USD 7.50 per kilogram or Ksh 149 per kilogram of cherries.
Grade AB emerged as the most traded category, accounting for 3,953 bags valued at USD 1.93 million and fetching an average of USD 398 per bag. Grade C followed closely with 3,070 bags worth USD 1.42 million at an average of USD 374 per bag. The premium AA grade registered 1,024 bags, bringing in USD 590,759.82 at an average price of USD 454 per bag, reaffirming its high demand among buyers seeking superior quality coffee.
Among the brokers, Alliance Berries led the pack with 2,922 bags sold for USD 1.38 million at an average price of USD 379 per bag. New KPCU closely followed with 2,926 bags worth USD 1.36 million, averaging USD 373 per bag. Other notable performers included Kipkelion with 944 bags worth USD 454,000, KCCEMA with 891 bags valued at USD 424,000, Meru Union with 697 bags worth USD 299,000, CEBBA with 608 bags valued at USD 280,000, and Kirinyaga Slopes with 581 bags earning USD 267,000.
On the buying side, five major dealers dominated the session. Ibero Kenya Ltd led with purchases worth USD 1.12 million for 2,514 bags, followed closely by C. Dormans SEZ Ltd, which acquired 2,234 bags also worth USD 1.12 million. Louis Dreyfus Company secured 1,531 bags worth USD 687,000, Taylor Winch bought 1,328 bags worth USD 641,000, and Sasini Ltd closed the top five with 1,186 bags valued at USD 593,000.
Together, these top five dealers accounted for 8,793 bags valued at USD 4.16 million, representing nearly 79% of the total volume and 80% of the total sale value. Their dominance underscores the strong influence of established trading houses in Kenya’s coffee market as the new season begins on a promising trajectory.
