Nairobi Coffee Exchange

CUPPING KENYA’S FINEST COFFEES: NAIROBI COFFEE EXCHANGE AND SOLIDARIDAD AND FAIRTRADE AFRICA 

Date: November 22, 2024

Venue: Nairobi

This gathering will bring together exporters, policymakers, and industry experts to explore bold solutions for a sustainable and equitable future for Africa’s coffee industry.

The Nairobi Coffee Exchange, in partnership with Solidaridad and Fairtrade Africa, is hosting a coffee cupping session which will connect small-scale growers with local and international marketers. This will enable them to spread wider their target markets. This event was organized to promote transparency, efficiency, and access to profitable markets for Kenyan coffee producers, contributing to the growth of the industry.

The session will showcase the special coffees from across Kenya, including those produced by small-scale farmers. These farmers have been trained in sustainable production practices under the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Netherlands and the Danida Market Development Partnerships-funded Traceable Organic Coffee from Kenya initiative. Both were  implemented by Solidaridad and strategic partners. The session will showcase organic-certified varieties, emphasizing Kenyan farmers’ commitment to high-quality, sustainable coffee production.

Cupping is an important practice in the coffee industry, enabling the evaluation of brewed coffee's aroma, flavor, and overall quality. It highlights key attributes like flavor notes, acidity, body, and balance, ensuring top-quality beans reach premium markets. For farmers, cupping serves as a quality control tool. For roasters, it’s an essential step in refining blends; and for buyers, it supports informed sourcing decisions. This cupping session will showcase Kenya’s rich diversity in coffee, driving market access and enhancing profitability and sustainability for farmers.

Fairtrade Africa has emerged as a beacon of hope, offering a lifeline to countless African coffee farmers. By championing ethical trade practices, the organization ensures farmers receive fair prices for their hard work. Additionally, Fairtrade premiums, which are additional funds paid to farmers, are invested in community development projects such as education, healthcare, and environmental initiatives.

Fairtrade Africa also supports sustainable farming practices, helping farmers protect the environment and ensure the long-term viability of their livelihoods. Furthermore, the organization assists farmers in navigating complex market regulations, such as the EU Deforestation Regulation, to secure market access.

Through its partnership with Solidaridad and other sector actors, the Nairobi Coffee Exchange (NCE) is helping small-scale coffee farmers gain access to profitable markets in the United States , Germany etc. This collaboration bridges the gap between growers and buyers, connecting thousands of farmers to a diverse network of roasters, retailers, and traders. As such, more farmers will be able to participate in transparent and efficient coffee auctions while also benefiting from Solidaridad’s comprehensive support in sustainable farming practices, post-harvest processing, and quality control.

NCE’s efforts align Solidaridad with other development partners’ initiatives, including training in best agricultural practices and strengthening farmer’s cooperatives. These initiatives improve farmers' position and bargaining power in the value chain, helping them secure better prices for their coffee. 

As part of its efforts to improve farmers' market access, Solidaridad has helped over 10,000 farmers obtain certifications such as Rainforest Alliance, Fairtrade, and organic, promoting sustainable sourcing and social responsibility.