The global coffee community recently converged at the Gordon Brown Convention Center in Houston, Texas, for the Specialty Coffee Expo one of the world’s most prestigious events in the industry. Drawing over 10,000 attendees from more than 80 countries, the three-day event served as a hub for producers, buyers, and industry stakeholders to exchange ideas and celebrate excellence in specialty coffee.
Uganda took center stage at the expo, with a strong delegation supported by the Government of Uganda and the Ugandan Embassy in Washington, D.C. Together, they showcased the country’s finest coffee offerings, emphasizing Uganda’s unique flavor profiles and commitment to quality.
Ten Ugandan coffee exporters participated in the expo, leveraging the platform to engage with global buyers. Their efforts bore fruit, as several exporters successfully secured deals that are expected to boost Uganda’s coffee exports and contribute to economic growth.
A notable highlight was Uganda’s Mountain Harvest, which reached the finals of the Sustainable Coffee Award a recognition of the country’s growing emphasis on sustainability and innovation in coffee production.
Uganda’s Ambassador to the U.S., H.E. Robie Kakonge, praised the Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries (MAAIF) for their ongoing efforts to elevate Uganda’s coffee sector on the global stage. The Ambassador also facilitated engagements with U.S. academia to explore partnerships that could further support Uganda’s coffee value chain.
Dr. Gerald Kyaalo, Commissioner of Coffee Development at MAAIF, expressed optimism following the expo: “We are thrilled with the response to Ugandan coffee at the expo. This event has provided a valuable platform for our exporters to connect with global buyers and showcase the quality of our coffee products.”
Uganda’s presence at the Specialty Coffee Expo signals a strong step forward in strengthening its position as a leading player in the global specialty coffee market.
