The Ugandan delegation at the Specialty Coffee Expo
The Specialty Coffee Expo, a premier event for the global coffee industry, recently wrapped up its 3-day run at the Gordon Brown Convention Center in Houston, Texas.
This year’s expo drew over 10,000 attendees from more than 80 countries, providing a platform for producers, buyers, and industry experts to converge and celebrate the art of specialty coffee.
At the heart of the expo was Uganda’s vibrant coffee industry, which made a significant impact on the global stage. The Government of Uganda, in collaboration with the Ugandan Embassy in Washington DC, showcased the country’s finest coffee products, highlighting its rich flavors and aromas.
Ten Ugandan coffee exporters participated in the expo, leveraging the opportunity to interface with buyers from around the world.
The 10 exporters that represented Uganda are; Kenneth Barigye (Mountain Harvest), Julius Kalulu (JKCC), Barbra Mugenyi (Kwezi Coffee), Mrs Kato (Zigoti Coffee), Alfred Wasikye (Chanzo Coffee), Luke Wephkhulu (MEACCE), Johnson Nuwagaba (Nilotic Coffee House), Juma Bunkeddeko (Empire Coffee), Mike Mukasa (East African Coffees) and Minorvia Migadde (Coffee World).
The exporters’ dedication paid off, as they secured deals with international buyers, paving the way for increased exports and economic growth.
The cupping sessions were a highlight of the event, with coffee connoisseurs and aficionados gathering to sample some of the world’s best coffee offerings. Uganda’s Robusta coffee, known for its distinct flavor profile, particularly impressed the coffee experts, who praised its quality and potential.
One Ugandan coffee product, Mountain Harvest, made it to the finals of the prestigious Sustainable Coffee Award, a testament to the country’s commitment to sustainable coffee production. Although the final results will be announced later, the nomination alone has generated significant buzz within the industry.
The Ugandan delegation, led by Dr. Gerald Kyalo, Commissioner of Coffee Development at the Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry, and Fisheries (MAAIF), met with Uganda’s Ambassador to the US, H.E. Robie Kakonge. The Ambassador commended the Ministry’s efforts to promote Ugandan coffee and facilitated meetings with US academia, aiming to strengthen collaborations and support the growth of Uganda’s coffee sector.
“We are thrilled with the response to Ugandan coffee at the expo,” said Dr. Kyalo. “This event has provided a valuable platform for our exporters to connect with global buyers and showcase the quality of our coffee products.”
The expo also attracted other dignitaries, including the Secretary General of the Inter-African Coffee Organization (IACO), Amb. Solomon Rutega, and board members of the African Fine Coffee Association. Their presence underscored the importance of events like the Specialty Coffee Expo in shaping the future of the coffee industry.
As the Ugandan coffee exporters returned home, they carried with them new relationships, business deals, and a renewed sense of purpose. The success of Uganda’s coffee industry at the expo has set the stage for continued growth and development, solidifying the country’s position as a major player in the global coffee market.
