From Pearl to Cup: Uganda coffee takes a stab at Japanese market

September 27, 2025 in Business, Land & Agriculture, Trade & Industry by Editor

Uganda has stamped its authority as a rising global coffee powerhouse at the Specialty Coffee Association of Japan (SCAJ) World Specialty Coffee Conference & Exhibition, Asia’s premier specialty coffee showcase, where the country is promoting its beans against the backdrop of record-breaking export earnings.

Figures from the Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries (MAAIF) show Uganda exported 7.93 million 60-kg bags in the twelve months to August 2025, valued at US$ 2.24 billion — a 58.7 percent jump in value from the previous year. Coffee has now firmly established itself as Uganda’s top foreign exchange earner and the country’s strongest global brand.

At SCAJ 2025, held at Tokyo Big Sight and expected to draw more than 75,000 visitors, Uganda is exhibiting under the theme “UGANDA – THE PEARL OF AFRICA.” The national pavilion — organized by MAAIF with support from Uganda’s Embassy in Japan — is showcasing Uganda’s coffee heritage, sustainability practices, and premium flavour profiles through cuppings, live brewing sessions, and farmer-focused storytelling.

“Japan values quality, traceability, sustainability and authenticity. Uganda delivers all four — and with volumes that can sustain long-term partnerships,” said Ambassador Tophace Kaahwa during the opening ceremony.

In August 2025 alone, Uganda shipped 855,441 bags worth US$ 202.75 million. Arabica exports rose nearly 64 percent in value year-on-year, with premium lots such as Mt. Elgon A+ fetching as much as US$ 9.42 per kilogram. Robusta — Uganda’s backbone crop — continued to drive volumes, while high-altitude Arabicas boosted earnings in the specialty segment.

While Europe remains Uganda’s largest market, officials say Asia, led by Japan, is the next frontier for growth.

Inside the pavilion, visitors are guided through Uganda’s coffee landscapes, from Mt. Elgon’s volcanic slopes to the Rwenzori Mountains. An 80-minute seminar series organized by MAAIF and the Ugandan mission featured live tastings, brewing demonstrations, and discussions on climate-smart farming.

“The story of Uganda’s coffee is not just about exports, it is about transformation,” said Gordon Katwirenabo, Assistant Commissioner for Quality Assurance and Value Addition. “From smallholder farmers to world-class exporters, Uganda is proving that quality, sustainability and scale can go hand in hand.”

Exporters attending include Mountain Harvest, Bugisu Cooperative Union, Just Know Your Coffee Cup (JKCC), Gorilla Highlands Coffee, and Crystal Coffee, with expectations that Tokyo engagements will translate into new supply contracts and stronger brand recognition.

Uganda, billed as the birthplace of Robusta, has invested heavily in agronomy, farmer training and quality control to cement its place among the world’s top coffee producers. With global consumption projected to grow 2.2 percent annually, and supply constraints affecting traditional producers like Brazil and Colombia, Uganda is entering the spotlight at a critical time.