US Loses its Place as Largest Buyer of Kenya's Specialty Coffee

The United States has lost its place as the largest buyer of Kenya’s specialty coffee. 

The US, which topped in both quantities and prices offered in the 2017/2018 season, was overtaken by Belgium and Germany, according to the latest data from Kenya’s Coffee Directorate.

The data from the Directorate indicate that the US bought 6.6 million kilograms of specialty coffee worth KSh3 billion in the 2018/2019 season, a decline from KSh7 billion realized in the previous year. Coffee Directorate interim head Isabella Nkonge said the decline in the US purchases is linked to competition from other growing countries as well as low global prices.

“We witnessed a scenario last year where both the volumes and value of the coffee sold to the US went down and this is mainly because of competition from other countries that are producing specialty coffee,” said Nkonge.

In the period under review, Belgium purchased Kenya’s specialty coffee worth KSh4.1 billion ahead of Germany, which bought coffee valued at KSh3.8 billion. In terms of quantities, Germany bought more than Belgium but offered a lower price.

The US has been buying about 10 percent of Kenya’s annual specialty coffee export (46,000 tons) and at a premium price compared to other major buyers.