Kenya Harvest Update 2025: Embracing Quality Amid Challenges 

As we enter the final stages of Kenya's 2025 coffee harvest season, we are seeing both challenges and quality improvements. The 2024/2025 harvest is distinguished by volume reductions but an increase in quality. We spoke to Richard Mugi Ndiang'ui, Field Sourcing Coordinator at Kenyacof (Sucafina in Kenya) to get the clearest picture about what we’re seeing and what to expect.  

Here’s a quick summary of what Richard shared with us:  

• The 2024/2025 harvest is expected to be 10-15% lower in volume than last year’s crop. 
• The main crop began in September 2024 and is anticipated to continue throughout January 2025.  
• Last year, the coffee processing sector faced challenges due to regulatory changes that led to delays. This season, we expect a smoother flow from harvest to market. 

Volume and Quality Dynamics 

This season, Kenya’s coffee production is estimated to be 10-15% lower in volume compared to the 2023/2024 harvest. Excessive rainfall in certain regions reduced flowering, which has led to the lower expected volumes.  

The good news is that these same conditions have had a positive effect on quality, with premium grades (AA, AB, PB, and C) expected to make up around 80% of the total harvest. This is largely attributed to the beneficial rains brought on by El Niño towards the end of 2023 and into early 2024, which provided optimal growing conditions for cherry development. The peak of the main crop cherry harvesting began in September 2024 and is anticipated to continue until January 2025. 

Last year, the coffee processing sector in Kenya faced challenges due to regulatory changes that led to delays in milling and subsequent auctions. This season, the licensing of additional mills has alleviated these constraints, allowing for a smoother flow from harvest to market. The milling sector now includes several new players, primarily regional mills owned by coffee unions, who are enhancing the marketing of coffee through auction and direct sales channels. 

Sustainability Efforts in Kenya 

The IMPACT verification audit conducted in December 2024 helped our sustainability team to address and close any gaps identified, with IMPACT-verified coffees expected to be available by February 2025. Additionally, during 2024, our team continued working on projects (in partnership with clients) focusing on low carbon emission practices and regenerative agriculture. 

In alignment with our goals, we've been actively working with our Kenyan supply chain to achieve Rainforest Alliance Certification and IMPACT supply verification, further enhancing sustainability assurance and strengthening our relationships with local farmers. This includes maintaining connections halted by reforms and forging new ones, particularly with women and innovative young producers in the coffee sector. 

As we progress through the 2024/2025 harvest, our efforts in Kenya are a reflection of our broader commitment to delivering exceptional quality and creating opportunities to improve lives while adapting to and overcoming the challenges posed by external factors. The dedication of our teams and partners enables Sucafina to source fine Kenyan coffee while continuing to support and collaborate with our farmers at every step. 

Kenyan coffees are highly sought after, making this the perfect time to connect with your trader and reserve your lots. Pre-selection of auction lots has started this week, and our Sucafina team will follow with a visit at the beginning of March for main selection. Be sure to check our website regularly for incoming offers in the months ahead.