The Uganda Coffee Market: 2025 Commercial Overview
- Christine Simon
- 1 day ago
- 4 min read
Updated: 7 hours ago
Uganda has cemented its position as Africa's most strategically important and fastest-growing coffee origin.
For bulk buyers, roasters, and traders, understanding the fundamentals of the Uganda coffee market is key to securing high-volume, cost-effective Robusta and premium Arabica supply.
1. Market Position: Scale, Growth, and Stability in The Uganda Coffee Market
Uganda is a major global supply pillar, backed by explosive growth and clear government commitment to sustained production.
African Leadership: As of recent 2025 figures, Uganda has surpassed Ethiopia to become Africa's number one coffee exporter, a significant commercial milestone.
Record Exports: For the 12 months ending July 2025, coffee exports reached a record 7.93 million bags valued at US$2.25 billion, demonstrating market reliability and surging volume.
Production Split: The market provides a consistent dual-utility product mix:
Robusta: Accounts for approximately 80% of total production, forming the backbone of Uganda’s commercial strength for espresso blends and soluble coffee.
Arabica: Accounts for approximately 20% of total production, sourced from high-altitude regions for the premium/specialty market.
Long-Term Commitment: The government's Coffee Roadmap targets a monumental production growth to 20 million bags by 2030, assuring buyers of long-term supply stability and continuous investment in the value chain.
2. Sourcing Geography and Flavour Profiles
Strategic sourcing begins with understanding Uganda's coffee geography to match profiles to your blending requirements.
A. Key Production Regions and Profiles
Coffee Type | Key Growing Regions | Flavour Profile / Utility |
Robusta (80%) | Central and Western Uganda, Lake Victoria Basin. | Strong body, earthy, and nutty notes. Ideal for high-caffeine blending. |
Arabica (20%) | Mount Elgon (Bugisu), Rwenzori Mountains, and West Nile. | Rich acidity, aromatic, often with fruity or wine-like notes. Specialty-grade (Bugisu AA) is highly sought after. |
B. Harvest Window Advantage
Uganda benefits from a dual-harvest system, ensuring a more consistent, year-round supply for buyers:
Robusta Peaks: November–February (main) and May–August (fly crop).
Arabica Peak: October–February.
3. The Definitive Uganda Coffee Export Grades
Uganda standardises its exports into distinct grades based on bean size and processing method, allowing buyers to reliably source for specific application needs.
A. Uganda Robusta Coffee Grades (Screen Size Based)
Robusta is primarily graded by screen size, reflecting bean uniformity:
Grade Name | Screen Size | Characteristics |
Screen 18 | Biggest bean size | Premium Robusta size, higher uniformity. |
Screen 15 | Medium bean size | Standard commercial grade Robusta. |
Screen 12 | Small bean size | Lower end of the commercial spectrum. |
Undergrades | BHP (Broken, Husk, Peaberry), Chalk white, Black Beans | Exported separately; used for low-grade blending or extracts. |
B. Uganda Arabica Coffee Grades (Processing & Region Based)
Ugandan Arabica falls into two main processing categories:
Category | Process | Grades Available | Key Profile Notes |
Washed Ugandan Arabica (WUGAR) | Cherries are pulped and washed before drying, then milled. This is a higher-quality, specialty process. | Bugisu AA (largest), Bugisu AB (medium), Bugisu PB (peaberry) | Highest Quality. Known for clean cup, rich acidity, and aromatic profile. Typically sourced from the Mount Elgon/Bugisu region. |
Dried Ugandan Arabica (DRUGAR) | Natural/Dry processed (sun-dried with fruit intact), then milled. | Generally not graded by screen size, but well-sorted and packed. | Classic Natural Profile. Full-bodied, with low sweetness and winey or fruity notes. Excellent for espresso blending components. |
4. Key Global Market Destinations
Uganda's market reach is global, with Europe maintaining its role as the primary destination for Ugandan coffee.
Top 10 Export Destinations (2023/2024 Market Share)
Destination | % Market Share | Buyer Significance |
Italy | 41.80% | The largest single buyer, primarily for high-quality Robusta used in traditional espresso blending. |
Germany | 13.39% | A major EU hub for distribution of both high-volume Robusta and specialty Arabica. |
India | 9.77% | Significant Asian demand for Robusta blending. |
Spain | 5.32% | Key Southern European market. |
USA | 4.38% | Growing demand, particularly for high-end Arabica. |
Algeria | 3.63% | Major North African trading partner. |
Sudan | 3.59% | Key intra-African market. |
Morocco | 1.91% | Growing North African market presence. |
Tunisia | 1.48% | Important North African market. |
Belgium | 1.47% | Important European distribution point. |
5. Pricing and Market Dynamics
Ugandan coffee prices are competitive and highly sensitive to global commodity exchanges, requiring real-time negotiation.
A. Price Drivers
Robusta (Bulk Market Anchor): Prices are fundamentally driven by the London Robusta futures market (LIFFE). Exporters often secure premiums for "Fine Robusta" and certified lots.
Arabica (Premium Segment): Prices track the New York Arabica futures market (ICE), with premium grades like Bugisu AA consistently commanding high export premiums (e.g., above US$7.00 per kilogram) for certified sustainable Arabica.
B. Actionable Pricing Note for Importers
Coffee prices are highly volatile and change daily based on global futures markets and the local UGX/USD exchange rate.
We strongly advise contacting our sales team directly for current, real-time FOB or Ex-Factory pricing based on your specific grade and volume requirements.
6. Commercial Sourcing Insights (FAQs)
Q: Who are the major commercial forces buying and exporting Ugandan coffee?
The market is highly liquid, featuring both Global Commodity Houses and specialized Domestic Exporters. While the sustained presence of international firms demonstrates stability, partnering with a dedicated Ugandan exporter offers greater traceability, agility, and flexible contract terms for specialized and certified lots.
Q: How is the Ugandan coffee sector regulated?
The sector is fully liberalized, allowing direct transactions between farmers and exporters. The Uganda Coffee Development Authority (UCDA) plays a critical role in quality control, licensing, and international promotion, ensuring product consistency.
Q: What are the biggest risks to Ugandan supply?
As a landlocked nation, Uganda relies on robust logistical corridors, primarily via Mombasa, Kenya. Buyers must ensure contracts specify reliable forwarders and contingency plans to mitigate occasional transit delays. Favourable weather and the UCDA’s focus on resilient varieties support production continuity.
7. Procurement Action: Secure Your Supply Chain
The Uganda coffee market offers stability, volume, and competitive pricing, supported by strong institutional growth targets.
To de-risk your procurement and ensure quality compliance, focus on specialist Ugandan exporters who possess proven traceability systems, especially in anticipation of future compliance standards like the EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR).
Ready to optimise your sourcing strategy with reliable, certified Ugandan coffee?
Contact us to secure real-time pricing and discuss your 2025/6 supply contract.
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