During a breakfast meeting for the winners of the Taste of Harvest Coffee Competition, a major quality-focused initiative aimed at promoting Kenyan coffee in premium global markets, various coffee producers, industry leaders, regulators, and development partners gathered. They are all committed to reviving the country’s coffee sector.
At the event, representatives from the Agriculture and Food Authority (AFA) congratulated the award winners for their remarkable achievement. They noted that this success showcases the excellence, resilience, and innovation that define Kenyan coffee. The Taste of Harvest platform received praise for highlighting the best of Kenya’s high-quality Arabica coffee, which is known worldwide for its unique flavor and consistency.
The competition stems from a strong partnership between AFA and the Africa Fine Coffees Association (AFCA). This collaboration has created a reliable platform that promotes quality, improves market visibility, and directly connects producers to high-value specialty coffee markets. National competitions take place in AFCA member countries, culminating in a regional African Taste of Harvest Competition, where samples are evaluated by a skilled panel of judges using the Specialty Coffee Association (SCA) scoring system.
This year’s competition saw a significant rise in participation, with 100 coffee samples submitted compared to 56 the previous year. This increase was mainly due to the removal of the USD 300 entry fee for non-AFCA members, aimed at encouraging inclusivity and wider participation among producers.
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The coffee sector is vital to Kenya’s agricultural economy, supporting the livelihoods of over six million people and involving around 800,000 smallholder farmers. However, national production currently averages between 40,000 and 50,000 metric tonnes per year, indicating the need for ongoing revitalization.
To tackle this, the government is implementing specific interventions to boost production and productivity. These include rehabilitating old coffee trees, promoting climate-smart farming practices, improving access to quality inputs, and strengthening extension services. Additionally, there is a strong focus on adding value, ensuring traceability, and complying with new global regulations.
Quality-focused initiatives like the Taste of Harvest Coffee Competition are essential for rewarding excellence, boosting farmer incomes, and reinforcing Kenya’s position as a leading source of specialty coffee.
