An increase in the volume of premium coffee grades traded at the Nairobi Coffee Exchange (NCE) has helped farmers and estates earn Sh2.4 billion during the latest auction held on Tuesday.
According to NCE data, the strong performance was recorded during Sale 15 of the current coffee season, which took place at Wakulima House in Nairobi.
A total of 39,408 bags weighing 2,411,979 kilogrammes were traded during the auction.
Although the volume traded was slightly lower compared to Sale 14, where 40,918 bags were sold, the earnings remained strong.
Sale 14 had generated Sh2.45 billion, underscoring sustained demand for Kenyan coffee, particularly premium grades.
The latest auction was dominated by high-quality coffee, with AB grade accounting for the largest share of sales.
A total of 18,596 bags of AB-grade coffee, representing 47 per cent of the total traded volume, were sold and earned Sh1.1 billion.
AA grade followed closely, with 12,566 bags, equivalent to 35 per cent of the total market share, earning farmers and estates Sh834.5 million.
Most of the premium-grade coffees originated from Kirinyaga and Nyeri counties.
These were largely marketed by Kirinyaga Slopes Coffee Brokerage Company Limited and Alliance Berries Limited.
NCE reports indicate that the two premium grades—AB and AA—accounted for more than 81 per cent of the total trading volume and value at the auction, highlighting the growing preference for high-quality coffee in the international market.
The auction achieved an average price of Sh49,665 per 50-kilogramme bag, reflecting strong demand across multiple coffee grades.
Ichuga Coffee Factory, which is part of Kiama Farmers’ Cooperative Society in Nyeri County, recorded the highest price during the auction.
The factory sold 51 bags of grade AA coffee at Sh64,500 per bag. The coffee was purchased by Kenyacof Limited at a total value of Sh7.9 million.
A total of 13 marketing agents participated in the auction, trading varying volumes and achieving different price levels.
Alliance Berries Limited led in volume traded, selling 14,426 bags valued at Sh889 million.
Kirinyaga Slopes Coffee Brokerage Company Limited followed with 7,068 bags that earned Sh469.8 million.
New KPCU PLC sold 3,976 bags valued at Sh241.5 million, while Kipkelion Broker Company Limited traded 3,114 bags, earning Sh174.8 million.
KCCE Marketing Agency Limited completed the top five brokers by trading 2,797 bags worth Sh165 million.
On the buyers’ side, Ibero Kenya Limited dominated purchasing activity after acquiring 12,039 bags worth Sh684.9 million, representing 28.6 per cent of the total market value.
Kenyacof Limited purchased 7,170 bags valued at Sh458.3 million, while C.
Dormans SEZ Limited bought 6,607 bags worth Sh430.7 million. Sasini (K) Limited acquired 4,808 bags valued at Sh309 million, Taylor Winch (Coffee) Limited bought 4,031 bags worth Sh245 million, and Louis Dreyfus Company purchased 2,095 bags valued at Sh115 million.
The top six buyers collectively accounted for 83.7 per cent of the total market value, indicating a highly concentrated purchasing structure among major dealers and exporters.
Prices across all grades ranged from Sh19,350 to Sh64,500 per 50-kilogramme bag, offering opportunities for buyers at different price points while rewarding producers of premium-quality coffee with exceptional returns.
Coffee sector stakeholders have continued to encourage farmers, with support from cooperative management, to focus on producing high-quality coffee to attract better prices and sustain international demand.
By Bernard Munyao
