The recent surge in coffee prices, reaching US$245 per unit, significantly boosted farmers' earnings, totaling US$10 million for the week. Both arabica and robusta coffee prices saw substantial increases during the week's auction, driven by concerns over heavy rains in Brazil's key coffee-producing regions. This surge led to commendable growth in overall sales value, climbing from US$7 million to an impressive US$10.2 million. Kenya's premier coffee grades AA and AB also experienced price spikes, reflecting a positive trend in the market.
However, amidst these gains, there are concerns about the involvement of "cartels" disrupting state-led coffee reforms by undermining farmers' direct access to auctions. The National Coffee Co-operative Union (NACCU) has raised alarms over the issuance of milling licenses to entities affiliated with buyers, which they argue violate established regulations. Calls for government intervention to address these challenges and support farmers' interests continue amid the positive momentum in the coffee market.
