Ugandan Coffee Shatters Records at London Auction, Fetching $350/kg

Uganda’s coffee sector has marked a significant achievement with a remarkable sale at a specialty coffee auction in London. A special lot of Natural Geisha beans, cultivated at the Rwenzori Estate Farm, fetched an unprecedented $350.02 (approximately UGX 1.28 million) for each kilogram.

The auction, which took place from July 6th to 8th, was a collaborative effort between specialty coffee producer Mountain Harvest and auction house M-Cultivo. The event saw intense international interest, with over 1,000 bids placed by buyers from around the globe.

Beyond the record-breaking price for the Geisha lot, the auction achieved a weighted average of $24.32 (UGX 90,000) per kilogram, substantially exceeding typical prices in conventional coffee markets. This indicates a growing demand for high-quality, traceable Ugandan coffee.

Kenneth Barigye from Mountain Harvest highlighted the significance of these results, stating that they demonstrate the potential for Uganda’s coffee industry to move beyond reliance on global commodity prices. The auction showcases a future where value is increasingly recognized and generated at the point of origin, rather than being dictated by external markets.

While the unique character of Ugandan coffee has long been acknowledged, the challenge has been connecting with buyers who truly appreciate the meticulous effort involved in producing exceptional beans. This record-breaking sale underscores the growing international recognition of Uganda’s high-quality Arabica offerings, particularly from regions like Nebbi-Zombo-Arua, Mount Elgon, the Rwenzori Mountains, and Kigezi.

The success at the London auction points to significant investment and business opportunities within Uganda’s coffee and cocoa sectors, emphasizing the value of producing exceptional coffee with clear origin and traceability.

Source: Uganda Investment Authority