By Henry Kinyua
The Nairobi Coffee Exchange experienced significant shifts in coffee grades distribution between the 2023/2024 and 2024/2025 seasons, reflecting notable improvements in overall coffee quality.
Premium grade AA coffee increased substantially from 19% to 25% of total sales. Conversely, lower-grade coffee showed marked declines, with Grade C dropping from 16% to 10% and MH grade falling from 6% to 2%. The PB grade remained relatively stable, slightly increasing from 5% to 6%.
These changes indicate a positive trend towards higher-quality coffee production and trading.
Market performance metrics reveal substantial growth across all key indicators, with total sales volumes increasing from 28,866 kgs to 342,32491.73 kgs and total value rising from KSh 19.6 billion to KSh 27.9 billion.
The average price per 50 kg bag increased significantly from $225 to $333, representing a 48% price appreciation that reflects both improved quality and favourable market conditions.
Agronomists say coffee production is largely about:
1. Pruning
2. Nutrition (fertilizer)
3. Crop protection (pesticides and IPM practices) and
4. The right moisture/ water/rain/irrigation.
When these are done in the right combination, it gives the desired results. This also requires the right advisory and extension services. If you are a farmer, what do you do to achieve increased volumes and grades?
