Prices of benchmark Kenyan coffee grades sold through the Nairobi Coffee Exchange (NCE) rose to KES 28,526 (USD 340) per 50 kg bag from KES 27,770.9 (USD 331) previously, according to an emailed report from the NCE. This follows the resumption NCE’s weekly coffee auctions since it took a four-week recess on July 17.

 The average price for the top grade slumped from KES 24, 581.85 (USD 292.99) at the last sale on July 17th. Supplies of the grade increased to 1,651 bags from 1,086 bags. The average price for all the beans sold climbed to KES 14, 179 (USD 169) a bag from KES 7, 303.65 (USD 166.37), the board said. Supplies of all grades fell 28% to 23,333 bags.

Compared with producers such as Brazil and Vietnam, Kenya is a small coffee but it’s the specialty beans from Kenya that are much sought after for blending with those from other countries.

[caption id="attachment_16675" align="alignnone" width="620"] NCE Market Report as at 14th August 2012[/caption]