The Nairobi Coffee Exchange (NCE) weekly auction has generated Ksh 850 million, underlining the strong demand for Kenya’s premium coffee despite a slight dip in overall prices.
During the 41st sale of the current coffee year, the average price per 50-kilogram bag stood at Ksh 47,685. This represented a 14 percent decline compared to the previous week’s average of Ksh 55,567. Nonetheless, premium AA grade coffee continued to command the highest bids, with lower grades such as UG attracting less interest.
Eight cooperative societies achieved outstanding prices above Ksh 64,613 per bag for their AA grade. Leading the group was Gachuiro Farmers’ Cooperative Society (FCS) from Nyeri County, which recorded the auction’s highest price of Ksh 68,360 per bag for 19 bags. Kiama FCS, also from Nyeri, sold 13 bags at Ksh 67,456 per bag, while Uchuga FCS fetched Ksh 66,164 for 15 bags.
The auction attracted fifteen brokers, with Alliance Berries Ltd leading the market after trading 4,463 bags at an average of Ksh 50,010 per bag. Kirinya Slopes Coffee Brokerage Co. Ltd followed with 1,850 bags at Ksh 47,555 per bag. Other notable traders included New KPCU, which sold 1,752 bags at Ksh 47,550, and Minnesota Coffee Marketers Ltd, which moved 1,324 bags at Ksh 46,392.
According to the NCE report, five major dealers purchased 80 percent of the coffee presented. Kenyacof Ltd topped buyers, acquiring 3,126 bags worth Ksh 175.2 million. Ibero Kenya Ltd purchased 3,002 bags at Ksh 162.4 million, while C. Dormans SEZ Ltd spent Ksh 158.5 million on 2,494 bags. Taylor Winch Coffee Ltd acquired 1,874 bags worth Ksh 104.6 million.
The final auction of the current coffee year is scheduled for Tuesday next week. Farmers and cooperatives remain optimistic after what has been described as an impressive season.
Murang’a farmer Peter Gikonyo praised the improved quality of cherries delivered to the exchange. He noted that better processing and cooperative support have attracted international buyers willing to pay premium prices.
“Better coffee quality usually fetches high prices. It is now up to farmers to increase production and maintain quality,” Gikonyo said.
