Uganda Coffee Development Authority (UCDA) Board Chair Dr. Charles Mugoya has commended Uganda’s producers and exporters who attended the World of Coffee 2024 expo held in Copenhagen, Denmark, this past June. At this internationally acclaimed expo, attended by over 10,000 people, Uganda proudly showcased its finest coffee, highlighting the exceptional quality and rich flavors that distinguish Ugandan coffee on the global stage.
Our participation in the World of Coffee 2024 has been a remarkable success,” said Dr. Mugoya. “Ugandan coffee continues to capture the attention and admiration of coffee enthusiasts and industry experts worldwide. The connections made and insights gained here will undoubtedly propel our coffee industry to new heights.”
The expo provided an invaluable platform for Uganda’s coffee producers and exporters to connect with industry leaders, foster new business relationships, and gain insights into the latest trends and innovations in the coffee sector.
Uganda’s presence at the World of Coffee 2024 not only celebrated the country’s rich coffee heritage but also underscored its commitment to excellence and sustainability in the global coffee market.
Uganda’s ambassador to Denmark, Amb. Margaret Otteskov, visited the Uganda booth during the expo and engaged with UCDA and the private exhibitors. Her presence was not only a show of support but also an opportunity to provide invaluable tips on trade and market penetration to the exporters and producers represented at the expo thus enhancing their ability to navigate and succeed in the competitive global market. Following the expo, Amb. Otteskov further championed Ugandan coffee by hosting an exclusive cupping session at Uganda’s embassy in Denmark. This event offered a unique platform for exhibitors to present their finest brews to a discerning audience, fostering deeper appreciation and interest in Ugandan coffee among international stakeholders and potential partners.
The ambassador’s involvement underscored the strategic importance of diplomatic support in promoting Uganda’s coffee industry on the world stage.
UCDA’s participation in the WOC Expo aimed to promote Uganda’s specialty Arabica and fine Robusta, enhance market access for private sector players, increase Uganda’s visibility as a coffee producer, benchmark with other producers to optimise coffee value addition, improve processing technologies and quality and reducing post-harvest losses. UCDA also aimed to help producers and exporters build relationships and explore business opportunities with industry players and potential investors.
Private Sector Involvement
Under the European Union-East African Community Market Access Upgrade Programme (EU-EAC MARKUP), UCDA hosted several private sector players, including Ankole Coffee Producers Cooperative Union, Mountain Harvest, Gorilla Highlands, Clarke Farm, Gorilla Summit Coffee, Bukonzo Organic Coffee, Rubanga Coffee, and Arabku Export Trading Limited.
These organizations were provided with space to display their coffee and conduct B2B meetings. Other Ugandan exporters and traders who attended the expo under different arrangements included Kawacom, Agri Exim, Agri Evolve, Kibinge Coffee, Coffee Gardens, Zombo Coffee and Tuongeye.
UCDA is a member of several specialty coffee associations, including the Specialty Coffee Association (SCA), World of Coffee (WOC), African Fine Coffees Association (AFCA), and Specialty Coffee Association of Japan (SCAJ), among others. These associations organize annual expos that attract specialty coffee buyers from around the world, seeking to source specialty Arabica and fine Robusta from various origins.
Uganda Coffee Booth Activities
During the exhibition, UCDA organised cupping sessions to present coffees from various Ugandan producers to potential buyers. Winning coffees from the Best of the Pearl 2024 Arabica and 2023 Robusta competitions were featured. Impressed buyers received green samples to taste with their teams at their roasteries, along with the producers’ contact information.
Additionally, two brew bars allowed attendees to sample Uganda’s exceptional coffees. The UCDA- operated brew bar featured specialty Arabica and fine Robusta coffees brewed using espresso and pour- over methods, while Mountain Harvest’s brew bar showcased its award-winning coffees from the Best of the Pearl competitions. Most visitors were particularly interested in Uganda Robusta, praising its smooth, clean cup and chocolate notes, and they also commended the naturally processed Arabica from the Elgon and Kigezi regions.
Business-to-business meetings
between producers/exporters and potential buyers were held to discuss export logistics. The team provided valuable information about Ugandan coffee, exporters, and investment opportunities through engaging interactions and promotional materials including QR codes for easy access to relevant details. The exhibitors educated visitors on the unique qualities of Ugandan coffee, such as its diverse flavor profiles and sustainable farming practices, and highlighted investment opportunities in the Ugandan coffee industry.
On the sidelines of the expo, UCDA was represented at the various workshops and lectures. Dr. Gerald Kyalo, Director Development Services, participated in a panel discussion on child labour. His discussion focused on Government’s priorities in line with this and on ensuring compliance to the EU regulations - European Union Deforestation Regulation (EUDR) and Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive (CS3D).
Some of the Government priorities that Kyalo listed include increasing traceability in the value chain to promote decent work, sensitizing all stakeholders on the downside of child labour and a concerted effort by all on sustainability to advance social justice. Kyalo also noted that Uganda is taking significant steps to comply with EUDR and CS3D and has set up a national task force which has since developed an action plan. Transparency and due diligence are key and require a collaborative effort, he noted.
Overall, Uganda’s participation in the World of Coffee Expo was a crucial step in promoting the country’s coffee as well as gaining insights into industry best practices and new technologies to enhance the quality and value of Uganda’s coffee exports.