Uganda prepares for first international coffee auction

BUSINESS | COFFEE

Uganda Coffee Development Authority (UCDA)together with the African Fine Coffees Association will provide special coffee training to 20 coffee exporters and producer cooperatives in preparation for the annual ‘Taste of Harvest' competition and auction.

During the training, exporters and producers will get improved coffee processing practices, proper use of coffee equipment, drying materials and quality management.

They will get insights on how to sell coffee to America and get investments under the Africa Growth and Opportunity Act.

Edmund Kananura, director of quality and regulatory services at UCDA told reporters in Kampala that the training will be held ahead of the competition.

The competition will be held during the African Fine Coffee Conference and Exhibition set for January 22-26, 2018 at Hotel Africana.

"The training will provide participants with the skills to prepare and process high quality specialty coffee beans," said Kananura.

The competitors will submit their best coffee samples for grading by specialists known as Q and R Grader examiners. Coffee that scores above 80% is considered to be specialty coffee and will automatically attract good market and better prices.

Kananura added that the competition intends to show farmers and dealers that good practices can benefit them.

"There are districts in Uganda which produce high quality coffees such as Kanungu, Iganga, Luwero and Sipi (Kapchorwa district). Ugandan coffee in general has great taste. It is just a matter of handling it in the right way."

He noted that through the competition, producers of high quality coffees including small holder farmers will get new markets. They will also promote brand awareness for their coffees.

Martin Maraka, program manager at African Fine Coffees Association said over 2000 coffee sector players are expected to network, learn and do business in Uganda during the conference, exhibition and auction.