Uganda’s coffee industry is experiencing an extraordinary resurgence, marked by record-breaking achievements and strategic growth. In the financial year 2023/24, Uganda’s coffee exports reached an unprecedented value of USD 1.114 billion. This success reflects not just an increase in the volume of 6.13 million bags compared to 5.8 million bags the previous year—but also a substantial 35.29% rise in value.
As a result of the effective regulation by The Uganda Coffee Development Authority (UCDA), coffee quality has greatly improved and this has resulted in high prices. Currently, farmers are earning the highest prices in 30 years. The robust performance of Uganda’s coffee sector is a testament to the resilience and dedication of everyone involved in the value chain.
Farmers, who have adapted to more stringent quality standards and sustainable practices, are now reaping the benefits of higher prices for their crops. This success moves beyond numbers to the livelihoods improved and the communities uplifted by this vibrant industry. The UCDA has played a critical role in this transformation, ensuring that quality remains at the forefront while also fostering an environment where innovation and sustainability can thrive.
Uganda Coffee, majorly Robusta Coffee is in high demand in global coffee markets for its exceptional quality. With the current trajectory, the Coffee Roadmap signed by H.E. President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni in 2017 target of 20 million 60 kg bags produced by 2030 is achievable. The roadmap, set a target for foreign exchange earnings of US$ 1.5 billion annually from the 20 million bags.
Uganda Embassy in Ankara, under the Economic and Commercial Diplomacy (ECD) initiative, joined the rest of the world in promoting Uganda Coffee at the Coffex International coffee exhibition in Istanbul, the capital that connects Asia and Europe.
Coffex International Coffee Exhibition, held in Istanbul, Turkey, is recognized as the largest international trade fair dedicated to the coffee industry in the Middle East. It is Turkey’s sole exhibition focused entirely on coffee, including its processing, preparation, and related products. This event serves as a vital platform for coffee enthusiasts, professionals, and businesses to connect, explore innovations, and showcase products related to coffee.
Uganda was chosen this year as the focus country for the 2024 coffee edition due to the consistency of the Embassy of Uganda in Ankara in promoting Uganda Coffee in Turkey and participating in coffex since 2020.
At the heart of Uganda’s participation was the Uganda Coffee Development Authority (UCDA), which organized cupping sessions to introduce potential buyers to the diverse and rich flavors of Ugandan coffee. Winning coffees from the Best of the Pearl 2024 Arabica and 2023 Robusta competitions were showcased, impressing attendees and encouraging them to engage further with Ugandan producers.
The UCDA booth, led by two bars, featured specialty Arabica and fine Robusta coffees. Attendees were treated to espresso and pour-over methods, while Mountain Harvest’s brew bar presented award-winning coffees from the Best of the Pearl competitions. These offerings highlighted the clean cup and chocolate notes of Uganda Robusta, which were particularly praised by visitors, amplifying interest in the naturally processed Arabica from the Elgon and Kigezi regions.
With a population of 86 million and a GDP of $1.14 trillion, Turkey is emerging as a significant market for Ugandan exports, particularly coffee. Uganda’s coffee exports to Turkey have seen exponential growth, skyrocketing from 2,260 bags in 2019 to 44,019 bags in 2023. This surge is largely attributed to the concerted efforts of the Ugandan Embassy in Ankara and the Uganda Coffee Development Authority (UCDA), in collaboration with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, to promote Ugandan coffee abroad.
The surge in coffee consumption in Turkey, especially among the youth who are shifting their preference from traditional tea to coffee, is creating lucrative opportunities for Ugandan coffee producers. Over the past decade, annual per capita coffee consumption in Turkey has quadrupled from 350 grams to 1.5 kilograms. Additionally, coffee imports have soared by 193% between 2008 and 2019, according to the International Coffee Organization.
The rapid expansion of Turkish-branded coffee shops further underscores this market’s growth. From 2022 to 2023, the number of these establishments increased by 9%, with an additional 7.3% growth over the past 12 months, surpassing 3,100 stores. This positions Turkey as one of Europe’s fastest-growing coffee shop markets, offering Ugandan coffee producers a prime opportunity for market penetration and expansion.