Ugandan Coffee Makes History At London Auction With Record Prices

Ugandan specialty coffee has reached a historic peak in the global market, achieving an average price of USD 24.32 per kilogram at a recent London auction. This landmark event, organized by specialty coffee producer Mountain Harvest in collaboration with auction house M-Cultivo, saw more than 1,000 bids from international buyers, underscoring the burgeoning demand for Uganda's premium coffee.

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For decades, the coffee industry has largely asked producers to fit within a price determined elsewhere. The results of this auction point to a different future, where value is created and recognised at origin.

The auction's highlight was a Natural Geisha coffee from Rwenzori Estate Farm in western Uganda, which commanded an unprecedented USD 350.02 per kilogram, setting a new record for Ugandan coffee at auction. The overall weighted average price of USD 24.32 per kilogram signifies a major breakthrough for Uganda's specialty coffee sector.

Kenneth Barigye of Mountain Harvest stated that these results herald a new era for coffee producers, moving away from externally dictated prices towards a model where "value is created and recognized at origin." He cited the record prices and high bid volume as proof that innovation, quality, transparency, and producer-led initiatives can fundamentally alter the valuation of Ugandan coffee.

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This is more than a successful auction. It is proof that the paradigm has shifted and that when producers are empowered to innovate, the entire coffee industry benefits.

CHG of China, the winning bidder for the top lot, expressed honor in participating in this "historic moment." David Paparelli of M-Cultivo added that the auction has reshaped perceptions of Ugandan coffee, demonstrating its potential and value. "Auctions can change the market's perspective of the potential and value of coffee from origins like Uganda," he noted, adding that Uganda possesses all the necessary elements to produce exceptional Arabica coffee, a fact Mountain Harvest has now proven.

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Auctions can change the market's perspective of the potential and value of coffee from origins like Uganda. What is surprising is that it took this long to reach this price. Uganda has all the potential to produce exceptional Arabica coffee, and Mountain Harvest proved that.