Kenya – Tanzania Harvest update  

Across East Africa, the outlook remains positive. Kenya and Tanzania are both reporting increased production, consistent quality across key growing regions and continued progress in traceability and EUDR readiness. Meanwhile, stronger supplier relationships and ongoing sector reforms are helping build a more resilient and transparent coffee supply chain. 

Kenya  

Growth, Quality and Traceability 

As Kenya’s main harvest progresses, the outlook is encouraging. Despite concerns over  reduced flowering levels earlier in the season, favorable weather conditions and strong performance from key producing regions have helped maintain expectations for high volumes and good quality. Producers are reporting healthy cherry development, and early indications point to a larger crop with consistent quality. 

How is the harvest looking this year? 
Kenya's 2026/2027 main harvest is shaping up positively. A larger crop is expected, supported by strong production in Central Kenya, particularly in Kiambu and Kirinyaga, two of the country's most important coffee-producing counties. Favorable rainfall patterns throughout much of the season contributed to healthy cherry development, while lower incidences of Coffee Berry Disease (CBD) and Coffee Leaf Rust (CLR) helped preserve crop potential.  

Volumes are expected to be lower in parts of Nyeri and the Rift Valley due to weather-related flowering challenges, but quality expectations remain high. 

Following reported production from Nairobi Coffee Exchange of approximately  860,000 bags during the 2025/2026 season, the current harvest is expected to increase by around 4%.  

What is the expected harvest timeframe? 
Harvesting began in September 2026 and is currently well underway, with around 40% of the crop already picked. Peak harvesting activity is expected between late October and November, and the main crop harvest should conclude in December. Some high-altitude regions may continue harvesting into January 2027. 

Coffee from the earliest-picked lots is expected to begin appearing at auction during November and December, bringing the first new-crop offerings to market.  

Regulatory reforms reshape the sector 
Kenya's coffee sector continues adjusting to significant regulatory changes introduced under the Coffee Act 2026. The legislation re-establishes the Coffee Board of Kenya as the industry's primary regulator and promoter, while restoring the Coffee Research and Training Institute as an independent research body. The new framework also introduces a 2.5% Coffee Development Levy on imports and exports aimed at funding sector development, research and infrastructure improvements. 

While the industry continues adapting to these changes, market participants currently expect coffee sourcing through both auction and direct sales channels to remain smooth. Potential El Niño conditions remain an important factor to watch, as excessive rainfall could affect coffee drying and processing activities later in the season.  

New supplier developments 
This season, Kenyacof has expanded its field presence, strengthening sourcing capabilities, improving traceability and EUDR readiness, and supporting ongoing investment in coffee quality, sustainability and direct producer relationships. 

IMPACT verification progress 
Since 2024, our IMPACT supply chain, which includes four cooperatives and several small estates, has successfully completed the verification process and is expected to undergo renewed auditing next year. Having already sourced coffee from these producers, we are well positioned to offer IMPACT-verified coffees as market opportunities develop.  

Today, we work with approximately 125,000 farmers through our responsible sourcing programs. Alongside these partnerships, supply-chain geomapping activities continue to advance as part of our EUDR readiness efforts. These initiatives are enhancing traceability, supporting farmer livelihoods, and increasing the availability of verified, fully traceable coffees for our customers.  

Tanzania  

Steady Quality and Growing Volumes Across Arabica and Robusta 

As the 2026/2027 harvest season nears completion in Tanzania, both Arabica and Robusta producers are reporting larger crops than last year. Improved production levels, stable cup quality and continued progress toward EUDR readiness have created positive momentum across the sector. 

How is the harvest looking this year? 
This season's harvest has performed better than last year, with Arabica production expected to grow by approximately 4% year on year. Robusta volumes are also increasing, supported by ongoing establishment of new coffee farms and expansion of production areas.  

Quality remains very much in line with last season. Across our sourcing regions, growers are reporting consistent cup profiles with no significant quality concerns. 

What is the expected harvest timeframe? 
In Tanzania's Arabica-growing regions, including Mbinga, cherry harvesting began in June and is expected to conclude by late October. In Robusta-growing regions, harvesting commenced in late April and typically continues through August. 

With picking activities now concluding, attention has shifted toward processing, drying, quality control and sampling. Producers will also begin pruning and other agronomic activities to prepare for the next crop cycle.  

Major progress toward EUDR compliance 
One of the sector's biggest advances this year has been improved access to EUDR compliance data. Recent mapping efforts have substantially improved data availability, helping exporters and supply-chain partners prepare for upcoming compliance requirements.  

The sector is also monitoring forecasts for potential El Niño conditions, which could bring heavier rainfall and create processing or logistics challenges later in the year.  

Strengthening trusted relationships 
This season’s focus has been on deepening partnerships with suppliers who have consistently delivered on their commitments. These long-term relationships are essential to maintaining quality, reliability and continuity for our customers. Our AMCOS Loyalty Program, developed in collaboration with partners and stakeholders, including CASA TAF, supports this approach by encouraging continuous improvement and strengthening long-term collaboration with cooperatives. 

IMPACT verification and sustainability 
Training in Good Agricultural Practices (GAPs) and agronomy continue according to schedule, with a particular focus on suppliers participating in our AMCOS Loyalty Program. Existing IMPACT-verified groups have successfully completed re-verification, ensuring the continued availability of IMPACT-verified coffees for this season. 

The Loyalty Program continues to produce positive outcomes. Participating farmers consistently deliver high-quality coffee, supported by demonstration plot training and a climate resilience project implemented between December 2025 and June 2026. Monitoring visits also confirmed the effectiveness of stumping as a tool for renewing aging coffee trees. Farmers highlighted the importance of doing it block by block rather than across the entire farm at once, allowing trees to recover while keeping the rest of the farm in production. 

Now is the perfect time to start booking Tanzania coffees, especially if you’re interested in our limited quantities of IMPACT-verified Arabica. It’s also a great time to get in touch with your trader today to start discussing your Kenya plans/selection. To learn more, reach out to your usual contact.