The Kenyan coffee harvest is progressing, and we’ve already started cupping the first promising offer samples! We’ve outlined the latest updates, insights into this year’s crop quality, market dynamics, and tips for navigating the buying process for you.
Early Harvest and Reduced Volumes
"Maybe it’s just me, but Kenyan coffee season always brings a little extra excitement. You can smell it in the whole building when the first fresh samples arrive, that vibrant fruit juice aroma filling the lab as the beans get roasted and ground for cupping."
This year, the harvest moved fast, starting earlier than usual and already approaching the finish line. We’ve been cupping since the first weeks of the auction, which marks the start of the harvest season, and the cup quality has been strong from early January onwards, and the best coffees are already in circulation.
The total volume is down by roughly 10-20 percent, and cooperatives are already slowing deliveries into the auction, signaling that the end of the harvest is near. About 30,000 bags per week have been moving through the auction, but volumes are now starting to taper off.
Grade-wise, AA volumes are strong with good quality. AB availability is tighter, while PB is extremely limited, sometimes fewer than five bags per large outturn. Price differences between grades are narrow, making it more effective to focus on high-performing AA coffees.
We observe internal prices that remain elevated due to strong auction performance. Producers, especially in Nyeri and Central Kenya, are disciplined sellers. Some are holding coffee for the auction rather than offering discounts for direct sales. With volume reduced and demand steady, high-quality coffee is moving quickly, and waiting to buy could mean missing out.
First expected Shipments and Availability
We have three containers confirmed and one already afloat, with arrivals expected in March. Because the harvest peaked in January rather than February or March, the season will close quickly. In other words, high-quality lots are available now, and waiting offers little benefit.
Josh’s tips on how to plan your Coffees
“This year, I recommend leading with AA coffees. They offer the most reliable availability and consistently strong cup quality. PB lots are very limited, so these should be considered only in small quantities, ideally under 30 bags. Rung’eto remains in high demand, so we are reserving samples for clients with specific interests or established relationships. For larger volumes, co-op blended AB and AA lots provide a more dependable solution than single-factory lots.
If Kenyan coffee is part of your 2026 plans, it is important to define your volumes and desired flavor profiles now. The top lots are already moving quickly, and securing your selections early will ensure you have access to the coffees that best fit your program.”
