In the 19th century, the Fathers Of The Congregation Of The Holy Spirit introduced coffee into Kenya from Ethiopia.

Coffee is to Kenya as wine is to France. Kenya produces about 2 million bags of Arabica Coffee which are bought and distributed to more than 30 countries around the world. Small holder farmers produce 70% of the coffee crop on small plots. They are members of about 200 cooperative societies which assist them in the processing and marketing of their produce. Large scale farmers produce 30% of the coffee on estates of over one thousand acres. The biggest plantations in Kenya are to be found on the plains off Mount Kenya and to the west of Nairobi.

The coffee is sold through auctions. Kenyas coffee auction has the most transparent distribution system and is considered the best in the world. This auction system inspired and set the standard for the Cup of Excellence auctions which started in Brazil. Other coffee producing nations have followed suit, and today this system is credited with giving farmers with high quality coffee, high prices.

For more information visit: www.coffeeboard.co.ke