By Henry Kinyua
If coffee bags could stretch their legs after a long day, Sale 17 would have asked for a massage on 10th Feb 2026. The Nairobi Coffee Exchange moved 37,295 bags weighing 2,277,405 kilogrammes for a total value of USD 14,499,370.98 (approx. KSh 2.32 billion) at an overall average price of USD 318 per 50kg bag, approximately KSh 126 per Kg of Cherry.
This marks a volume increase from last week’s Sale 16, where 2,036,298 kilogrammes traded at an average of USD 350, but prices eased by about 9%. Compared to Sale 17 last season (1,942,994 kg at USD 370), volumes are up significantly while prices continue their cooling trend. The highest price of the day was USD 423 per bag, achieved by premium AA lots from Gaturiri Factory in Nyeri County, underscoring sustained demand for top-end quality even as the broader market adjusts.
On the buying front, the usual heavyweights dominated proceedings. Ibero Kenya Ltd led with 16,551 bags (44.4%), followed by C.Dormans SEZ Ltd with 7,327 bags (19.6%), Louis Dreyfus Company at 4,480 bags (12.0%), Kenyacof Limited with 2,307 bags (6.2%), Taylor Winch (Coffee) Ltd at 1,660 bags (4.5%), and Global Mark Foods Ltd with 1,437 bags (3.9%).
Collectively, the top six buyers absorbed a commanding 90.6% of total traded volume, confirming once again that when the auction bell rings, the big boys rarely forget their cheque books. As the season gathers pace, volumes may be rising—but the market is quietly reminding everyone that price discipline is still very much in fashion. Stay tuned for what Sale 18 brews next.
