The Nairobi Coffee Exchange (NCE) posted its highest trading volume of the season on Tuesday, moving 1.21 million kilogrammes of clean coffee, equivalent to 19,570 bags, attributed to high prices on premium grades.
The auction generated $9.57 million, or approximately Sh1.24 billion, from the sale.
This was higher than the previous auction dated November 27, 2025, where 13,753 bags were sold, weighing 875,711 kilogrammes.
“Sale No. 9 delivered record volumes and strong prices, with premium AA and AB grades driving most of the value. Alliance Berries Ltd led the market by both volume and value, while Kirinyaga Slopes, Kipkelion, New KPCU, and KCCE also posted solid performances,” said NCE.
“On the demand side, international buyers Ibero Kenya, C. Dormans, Sasini, Taylor Winch, and Louis Dreyfus dominated purchases, reaffirming the strong position of Kenyan coffee on the global stage.”
The auction also posted a high price, with the average price per 50 kg going for $396.79 (Sh51,285) or Sh1,026 per kg of clean coffee.
“The highest price achieved was $485 per 50 kg for AA grade coffee, equivalent to about Sh62,686 per bag or Sh1,254 per kg,” said NCE.
The high price coincides with the October-December main coffee crop season in Kenya, when the NCE receives freshly harvested high-quality crops from cooperative societies.
Auction prices traditionally improve around this window due to higher demand for the quality crop.
Kenya’s coffee calendar runs on two distinct harvests. The main crop, which produces the bulk of the country’s premium beans, is picked between October and December before heading to the NCE for auction from January to April.
Mid-year, farmers turn to the fly crop, a smaller but still significant harvest gathered between June and August and traded at the exchange from August to October.
Together, the dual seasons keep Kenyan coffee flowing to international buyers almost year-round, sustaining the country’s reputation for high-quality Arabica.
At the NCE, all coffee is sold through licensed marketing agents who act on behalf of farmers.
The system exposes Kenyan beans to global competition, helping growers secure better prices and more transparent payouts.
Farmers typically receive their earnings a few weeks after the auction, with many cooperatives issuing an additional bonus once the season’s accounts are finalised at the end of the year.
