DP Gachagua says he's secured deal for farmers to sell coffee directly to Java Coffee Company

Local coffee farmers will start selling their produce directly to the Java Coffee Company, one of the world’s largest coffee firms, following the signing of an agreement on Wednesday between the firm and Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua in Rotselaar, Belgium.

As part of the deal, the Java Coffee Company pledged to start with the purchase of 700 tonnes of coffee; a move that will help small-scale farmers boost their incomes.

The global company has also undertaken to procure a substantial volume of coffee production, focusing primarily on supporting Kenyan women farmers and cooperatives.

"Java Coffee Company, a distinguished entity in the global coffee trade commits to purchase Kenya. coffee directly from local farmers. This commitment entails the acquisition of at least 10,000 bags of coffee, totalling 700 tonnes, of premium Kenyan coffee," said DP Gachagua.

"Our primary focus rests on supporting Kenyan women farmers and cooperatives, recognizing their invaluable contributions to the global coffee landscape."

The landmark deal was formalized at Java's premises in Rotselaar, Belgium, during Mr Gachagua's official tour to the country.

The joint commitment followed a pivotal bilateral meeting between DP Gachagua and Ms. Kathleen Claes, the Chief Executive Officer of Java, who was accompanied by Mr. Wim Claes, President of the Belgium Coffee Roasters Association.

The agreement was solidified ahead of the Coffee Stakeholders Roundtable between Kenya and Belgium coffee roasters, hosted at the esteemed Java Coffee Company.

The move not only fosters international cooperation but also champions the prosperity of Kenyan coffee farmers, marking a momentous stride in the global coffee industry.

The Deputy President further stated that Kenya has some of the world's finest specialty coffees and the government is expanding the market and eliminating middlemen and brokers for the benefit of the small-scale cherry farmers.

Since Belgium is one of the main points of entry and trade hubs for coffee in Europe, DP Gachagua said there was also growing demand for certified coffees, triggered by a consumer trend towards sustainable, traceable and high-quality products.

The development comes at a time the government is trying to increase coffee production, which once accounted for up to 40 percent of forex earnings in the country.

"The specialty coffee market in Belgium is fast growing, alongside the country's tradition for smaller coffee houses and cafés. I appreciate that Belgium is Europe's third-largest importer of green coffee after Germany and Italy and the largest re-exporter of green coffee in Europe," said DP Gachagua.

He noted that Belgium is also the second largest destination of Kenyan Coffee and the gateway to most of European markets through the Port of Antwerp. The port accounts for approximately 50 per cent of Europe's coffee logistics business.