Nairobi:The 2025/2026 coffee auction season in Kenya has ended with farmers earning Sh841.3 million from the sale of 17,765 bags of coffee, which is equivalent to 1,106 tonnes of clean coffee.
According to Kenya News Agency, the final auction, known as Sale 42, was held on Tuesday and saw a decrease in the average price to Sh38,140 per 50-kilo bag, down from Sh40,475 in Sale 39. This took place as the industry prepares for the new coffee year starting October 1.
The closing sale highlighted ongoing efforts by the industry to enhance production, quality, and market access as the 2026/2027 coffee year approaches. Notably, New KPCU emerged as a leading broker, selling 3,918 bags valued at Sh173.4 million, followed by Alliance Berries with 3,806 bags worth Sh172.8 million.
Data from the Nairobi Coffee Exchange (NCE) revealed that seven dealers purchased 16,546 bags, representing 82 percent of the total coffee offered. Ibero Kenya Ltd was a significant player, accounting for 35 percent of the total value of coffee purchased.
NCE CEO Lisper Ndung’u reported that 2,468 bags of grade AA, 7,049 bags of grade AB, and 3,094 bags of grade C were offered in the final auction. Ibero Kenya emerged as the leading buyer, acquiring 5,696 bags, followed by Louis Dreyfus and Kenyacof.
Ndung’u emphasized the importance of certification, noting that 26 percent of the coffee was certified, which is critical for accessing premium markets. She encouraged stakeholders in the coffee industry to focus on boosting production while maintaining quality.
The upcoming 2026/2027 coffee year, beginning October 1, will also see Stanbic Bank joining the Direct Settlement System alongside Cooperative Bank of Kenya to enhance payment efficiency. The new season will focus on increasing productivity, improving quality, and ensuring better returns for farmers.
