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Uganda’s coffee has officially qualified for specialty markets following its performance in cupping sessions at the just-concluded Xiamen International Coffee Fair in China
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Uganda’s coffee has officially qualified for specialty markets following its performance in cupping sessions at the just-concluded Xiamen International Coffee Fair in China. This achievement marks a milestone in Uganda’s journey to elevate its coffee industry on the global stage. During the event, buyers and roasters explored Uganda’s distinct coffee profiles, leading to significant trade inquiries. The cupping sessions featured coffees from renowned Ugandan coffee organizations, including Zigoti Coffee, Grainpulse, Arabica from Bugisu Cooperative Union (BCU), Mountain Harvest, and Bufumbo Organic Farmers. Uganda’s Ambassador to China, Olive Wonekha, hosted the delegation, underscoring the country's strong presence at the fair.
What is coffee cupping?
According to the Uganda Coffee Development Authority (UCDA), coffee cupping—also known as coffee tasting—is a professional practice used to evaluate the aroma, taste, and quality of brewed coffee. Tasters use small spoons to sample coffee from different cups, assessing its flavor, aroma, and aftertaste.
Ugandan coffee received accolades for its quality and consistency during these sessions, qualifying for specialty market demands.
KimCo Coffee a Ugandan Product represented other coffee brands
The path to specialty markets
To qualify for specialty markets, coffee must meet stringent requirements. It is typically cultivated at high altitudes, such as the Elgon and Rwenzori regions, and undergoes meticulous harvesting and processing methods, including washing and honey processing. Direct trade relationships with farmers also ensure strict quality control.
Spotlight on specialty coffee
Specialty coffee offers premium pricing. A kilo of specialty Arabica coffee fetches an average of $4.53 (about UGX 16,733), with sustainable varieties reaching up to $5.69 (UGX 21,019) per kilo at the farm-gate level. In comparison, non-specialty coffee averages UGX 6,750 per kilo, and Fair Average Quality (FAQ) Robusta sells for around UGX 12,750 per kilo.
Uganda’s participation and trade gains
Uganda’s booth at the fair served as a hub for professional buyers and distributors, fostering trade deals and collaborations. Notable exporters at the fair included Star Café, Inspire Coffee, Elgon Coffee, and Mountain Gorilla Coffee. Products from BCU, Masha Coffee, Kimco Coffee, and Volcafe also gained recognition.
The four-day event, held at the Xiamen International Conference and Exhibition Centre, attracted over 400 global coffee brands and more than 60,000 visitors worldwide.
Uganda’s growing coffee presence in China
Ambassador Wonekha highlighted Uganda’s progress in the Chinese market during her keynote address titled “Uganda Coffee Industry Insights: Production, Quality, and Market Trends.” She attributed the growth in coffee exports, currently at 7 million bags annually, to climate-smart agriculture practices, improved farming techniques, and the adoption of disease-resistant and climate-tolerant coffee varieties.
China is now Uganda’s 7th largest coffee export destination. In October 2024, China accounted for 4.03% of Uganda’s coffee exports, with a shipment of 20,005 60kg bags.
Coffee exports surge
Uganda’s coffee exports in October 2024 reached 496,820 60kg bags worth $139.05 million, reflecting a 5.77% increase in quantity and a 76.27% rise in value compared to the same month in 2023. Over the 12 months from November 2023 to October 2024, Uganda exported 6.38 million bags worth $1.46 billion.
Building on success
Ambassador Judyth Nsababera, Uganda’s Consul General in Guangzhou, emphasized the growing trade ties between Uganda and China, particularly in value-added products like roasted coffee tailored for the Chinese market.
“This year’s participation builds on Uganda’s progress in the Chinese market. Our role as co-organizer underscores China’s recognition of Uganda’s coffee. We remain committed to partnerships that drive mutual growth and expand the reach of Uganda’s premium coffee products,” Nsababera said.
A bright future for Ugandan coffee
With its strong performance at the Xiamen Coffee Fair and growing recognition in specialty markets, Uganda is poised to solidify its position as a global coffee powerhouse. These strides reflect the country’s commitment to quality and innovation in the coffee sector, promising a prosperous future for Ugandan coffee farmers and exporters alike.
Agencies
