Kenya's coffee auction market recorded robust activity in 2025, with 18 licensed brokers facilitating the sale of 633,615 bags of coffee valued at KSh 36.8 billion (USD 284 million), according to the Capital Markets Authority's Annual Supervision Report for 2025.
A total of 39.08 million kilograms of coffee were traded through weekly auctions at the Nairobi Coffee Exchange. The average price per 50kg bag stood at KSh 47,050 (USD 363).
Top Brokers Dominate Market
Alliance Berries Limited led the market, handling over 222,000 bags (13.6 million kilograms) and generating KSh 12.95 billion (USD 100 million) in sales. This accounted for more than 35% of the total auction volume.
Following closely were Kirinyaga Slopes Coffee Brokerage Company Limited and New Kenya Planters Co-operative Union PLC, trading 89,241 and 83,990 bags respectively. Combined, the top three brokers controlled over 62% of the auction volumes.
Other Key Players
- KCCE Marketing Agency Limited: 50,347 bags
- Kipkelion Broker Company Ltd: 41,349 bags
- Minnesota Coffee Marketers Limited: 41,038 bags
Coffee Grades and Price Trends
Coffee quality grading influences market dynamics, with AA grade commanding the highest value at KSh 8.82 billion (USD 68 million), while AB grade recorded the largest volume at 237,456 bags.
Sales peaked between auction sessions 17 and 19, with session 19 achieving the highest single-sale volume of 35,272 bags. The highest average price per bag was recorded in sale 40 at KSh 55,695 (USD 430).
Market Significance
Coffee remains a vital agricultural export for Kenya, supporting numerous smallholder farmers. The licensed brokerage system ensures transparency and quality assurance, connecting producers directly to international buyers through the Nairobi Coffee Exchange.
