Kenya
Low-quality green beans and lower international prices pushed Kenyan coffee values down 10% in early April, according to a government official. The price of a 50-kilo bag fell from $96.67 to $86.80.
Daniel Mbithi, chief executive officer of the Nairobi Coffee Exchange, told reporters the quality of coffee going to auction is down compared to previous months. “A combination of both low-quality beans and depressed international prices have contributed immensely to the poor performance at the auction,” he said.
Trading also saw the value of Kenya’s premium coffee grade AA tumble to $129.22 a bag. The same 5-kilo bag was worth $151.90 a week earlier.
In order to reduce reliance on coffee exports, the nation’s Coffee Directorate has asked Kenyans to drink more coffee.