The Agriculture and Food Authority (AFA) in partnership with the African Fine Coffees Association (AFCA) has played an instrumental role in boosting the Kenya National Taste of Harvest Coffee competition.
Through a strategic support from AFA, AFCA non-members received an entry fee waiver of USD 300, resulting to an increase in submission of samples from the coffee value chain actors who wish to showcase their exceptional coffee, and compete for top honours in the competition. This year, a total of 100 participants submitted their samples, up from 56 witnessed last year.
This flagship initiative in Kenya’s coffee value chain, requires participating farmers, cooperatives, and millers to submit carefully prepared coffee samples for evaluation by certified seven local and one international judge in the first round, followed by a final round of evaluation by two local and six international judges.
Each sample will be scored based on internationally recognized standards for coffee quality, ensuring that only the best coffee makes to the final stage.
AFCA will feature winning coffee samples from the competition on the AFCA Taste of Harvest Auction Platform, providing a trusted and transparent marketplace that directly connects Kenyan coffee producers with international buyers.
Samples submitted for competition were under washed, Natural and Experimental categories. These samples were from the current or most recent harvest cycle, produced and harvested in Kenya, as well as hulled, graded and sorted and with no infused or artificial flavours.
Additionally, samples met the European Union Deforestation Regulation especially the due diligence, and traceability considerations.
