Coffee market fetch Sh957 million after the Christmas break

Chairman to Gatumbi coffee factory Mr Kaihura wa Karanja attends one of his coffee trees [Boniface Gikandi, Standard]

The coffee auction netted Sh957.3 million in the weekly market after the sale of 18,138 bags that were bought by 12 dealers.

The trading at the Nairobi Coffee Exchange (NCE) was low compared to the previous auction two weeks ago that achieved Sh1.1 billion from the sale of 21,636 bags.

In the auction report, Kianjiru and Karumandi factories in Kirinyaga allied to Baragwi Farmers society achieved the highest price of Sh52,836 per bag and Sh52,706 per bag respectively after the produce was brokered by Alliance Berries Limited.

Thikagiki farmers cooperative society in Kandara achieved Sh49,598 for each of its 17 bags of grade AA.

Alliance Berries Limited delivered the large consignment of 9,177 bags that earned Sh496.9 million followed by Kirinyaga Slopes 2,668 bags for Sh138.1 million.

NCE CEO Lisper Ndung'u said in the auction market eight coffee brokers delivered the quality grades of AA 8,096 bags and AB 6,499 bags.

In the market analysis, grade AA fetched Sh453,286,881 while AB Sh338,516,651.

The reports outlined that cooperatives and estates affiliated to Alliance Berries, Kirinyaga Slopes, and New KPCU fetched impressive prices.

Ms Ndung'u said the auction has resumed calling for the delivery of quality grades that are in high demand in the market.

"We have sent an appeal to the farmers to increase production of the commodity to take advantage of the market," said Ndung'u.

Kigumo MP Joseph Munyoro said there was a need for farmers to deliver all the coffee at the auction to ensure the best and competitive prices.

Munyoro, a member of Cotepa said there is need for cooperation for players in the coffee value chain to educate the growers on production of quality coffee.

"The impressive prices in the market were last experienced 15 years ago, thus the need for the growers to take advantage," said Munyoro.

In the buyers category, C- Dorman bought 5,309 bags,Taylor Winch 4,548 bags, Ibero Kenya 3,264 bags, Kenyacof 2,293 bags, Louis Dreyfus 772 bags among others.

Other brokers, KCCE 2,221 bags, fetched Sh121.6 million, United Eastern 253 bags, for Sh 10.8 million, Mt Elgon 162 bags for Sh8 million, Minnesota 411 bags for Sh18.7 million.