Nairobi: The Nairobi Coffee Exchange (NCE) on Tuesday recorded an impressive record performance in recent weeks with auctions generating at least Sh.1.23 billion. The weekly coffee auction delivered a powerful rebound in both trading volume and market value, marking one of the strongest performances in recent weeks.

According to Kenya News Agency, in Sale 9 of the current coffee season, a total of 19,570 bags of coffee were traded at the auction with a striking 42 percent increase from the 13,753 bags traded during Sale 8 conducted last week. Official NCE market data revealed that the auction generated approximately Sh.1.23 billion, with average prices climbing to Sh.51,392 per bag, equivalent to Sh.158 per Kilogram of cherry.

Grade AA coffee commanded premium rates, with the day's highest price reaching Sh.62,783 per bag, for 104 bags of grade AA from Kiang'ombe factory which is part of Kabare Farmers' Cooperative Society of Kirinyaga County. The surge in trading activity was partly driven by increased deliveries from Kirinyaga County, whose factories brought substantial volumes to market, strengthening the week's supply and intensifying competition among buyers.

On the brokerage side, Alliance Berries Ltd dominated proceedings by trading 5,648 bags at Sh.375.5 million. Kirinyaga Slopes followed closely with 4,372 bags earning Sh.292 million, while Kipkelion moved 2,052 bags at Sh.125 million, and New KPCU rounded out the top tier with 1,584 bags earning Sh.88.9 million. Other notable performers included KCCE Marketing Agency, United Eastern, Kinya Coffee, Mt. Elgon, Minnesota Marketers, Coffee Estates Bourgeoisie, and Bungoma Union.

In the trading pit, buyers demonstrated a robust appetite for Kenyan coffee with Ibero Kenya Ltd leading all purchasers by acquiring 4,792 bags worth Sh.300 million, cementing its position as the week's top buyer. Dormans SEZ Ltd secured 3,670 bags valued at Sh.257 million, while Sasini (K) Ltd acquired 2,950 bags worth Sh.194 million. Taylor Winch (Coffee) Ltd was not far behind as it purchased 2,931 bags for Sh.185 million. Louis Dreyfus Company completed the top five with 1,932 bags valued at Sh.115 million.

This week's auction compared to last week's Sale 8 which had an average price of Sh.50,356 per bag and peaked at Sh.60,194 in Sale 9 reflects a strengthening price environment. This week's performance at the NCE aligns with historical patterns observed in previous seasons, where volumes and prices typically begin their upward trajectory from Sale 8 and continue rising through Sale 20 as the coffee harvest reaches its peak.

NCE Chief Executive Officer Lisper Ndungu observed that with the current momentum building, industry observers are keenly watching the upcoming auctions to determine whether the upward trend will hold as more counties bring their coffee to market during the peak season.