By Henry Kinyua
The Nairobi Coffee Exchange recorded vigorous trading on Tuesday, December 2, 2025, as Sale 9 delivered a powerful rebound in both trading volume and market value, marking one of the strongest performances in recent weeks.
A total of 19,570 bags were traded at the auction—a striking 42% increase from the 13,753 bags traded during Sale 8 the previous week. According to official market data, the auction generated USD 9.57 million (approximately KES 1.23 billion), with average prices climbing to USD 397 per bag, equivalent to Ksh 158 per Kg of cherry. Top-grade AA coffees commanded premium rates, with the day’s highest price reaching USD 485 per bag, for 104 bags of grade AA from Kiang’ombe factory, part of Kabare FCS in Kirinyaga County
The surge in trading activity was partly driven by increased deliveries from Kirinyaga County, whose factories brought substantial volumes to market, strengthening the week’s supply and intensifying competition among buyers.
On the brokerage side, Alliance Berries dominated proceedings with 5,648 bags sold at an average of USD 417.58. Kirinyaga Slopes followed closely with 4,372 bags averaging USD 423.00, while Kipkelion moved 2,052 bags at USD 380.99. New KPCU rounded out the top tier with 1,584 bags averaging USD 348.09.
Other notable performers included KCCEMA (1,231 bags, USD 399.28), United Eastern (1,084 bags, USD 372.89), Kinya Coffee (1,073 bags, USD 352.55), Mt. Elgon (922 bags, USD 381.51), Minnesota Marketers (937 bags, USD 370.08), Coffee Estates Bourgeoisie (568 bags, USD 376.84), and Bungoma Union (99 bags, USD 402.45).
In the trading pit, buyers demonstrated a robust appetite for Kenyan coffee. Ibero Kenya Ltd led all purchasers with 4,792 bags worth USD 2.31 million, cementing its position as the week’s top buyer. C. Dormans SEZ Ltd secured 3,670 bags valued at USD 1.99 million, while Sasini (K) Ltd acquired 2,950 bags worth USD 1.49 million.
Taylor Winch (Coffee) Ltd was not far behind, purchasing 2,931 bags for USD 1.43 million. Louis Dreyfus Company completed the top five with 1,932 bags valued at USD 890,199.
Compared to Sale 8—which had an average price of USD 389 per bag and peaked at USD 465—Sale 9 reflects a strengthening price environment. The performance aligns with historical patterns observed in previous seasons, where volumes and prices typically begin their upward trajectory from Sale 8 and continue rising through Sale 20 as the harvest reaches its peak. With this momentum building, industry observers are keenly watching the upcoming auctions to determine whether the upward trend will hold as more counties bring their coffee to market during the peak season.
For more details about coffee traded at the Nairobi Coffee Exchange, subscribe to the KilimoNews App at https://app.kilimonews.co.ke/index.php/site/index
