The global coffee industry is facing challenges with prices of the commodity soaring to levels not seen since 1970s, driven by persistent supply concerns in key growing regions such as Brazil and Vietnam.
- •Adverse weather conditions, including droughts and frosts, have dented crops in these major producing countries, sparking fears of global deficits.
- •As a result, the price of Arabica coffee, the premium bean favored by companies like Starbucks, has nearly doubled (94%) in the past year, trading at just under $4 a pound.
- •This surge has disrupted supply chains, leading to empty shelves in European supermarkets and forcing roasters to hike prices or reduce pack sizes to manage costs.
Amid this global coffee crunch, African entrepreneurs like Eva Muthuuri, founder of Eva’s Coffee, are stepping up to meet the rising demand for quality coffee.
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Eva’s Coffee
Growing up in Kathera, a village on the slopes of Mount Kenya in Meru County, Eva was surrounded by coffee farms. The region has been producing coffee since 1948, but nearly all of it was exported, as Kenyans traditionally prefer tea. Eva, however, saw an opportunity to change this narrative. After years of working in public health and promoting women’s empowerment, she decided to pivot to coffee production full-time, driven by a passion to showcase Kenya’s rich coffee heritage to the world.
Eva’s Coffee specializes in high-quality Arabica coffee, grown at altitudes of 1,200 to 1,800 meters above sea level in Kenya’s renowned Coffee Belt. The beans are carefully cultivated, harvested, and processed to meet international standards, making them a favorite among some of the world’s largest coffee producers. But Eva’s mission goes beyond producing exceptional coffee; she is also committed to empowering women in her community. Through her business, she supports over 60 women-owned coffee farms, providing them with training, resources, and access to markets.
ShowcaseHER Program
Eva’s success story is closely tied to Afreximbank’s ShowcaseHER initiative, a collaborative effort with ImpactHer, an NGO founded by Efe Ukala. Launched in 2023, the program aims to support 1,500 female entrepreneurs across Africa by providing export readiness training, access to funding, and market linkages.
For Eva, this support has been transformative. Through ShowcaseHER, she gained the skills and resources needed to scale her business, navigate the complexities of international trade, and tap into global markets.
The program’s impact extends beyond Eva’s Coffee. By empowering women like Eva, Afreximbank is fostering economic growth, creating jobs, and strengthening communities across Africa. Eva’s ability to export her coffee to international markets not only boosts Kenya’s economy but also positions the country as a key player in the global coffee industry.
Filling the Global Coffee Gap
The current global coffee shortage presents both challenges and opportunities. While traditional coffee powerhouses like Brazil and Vietnam grapple with supply constraints, African producers are stepping in to fill the gap. Kenya, with its ideal climate and rich coffee-growing heritage, is well-positioned to capitalize on this opportunity.
Moreover, the growing trend of coffee consumption in producing countries is creating new opportunities for local businesses. According to the International Coffee Organization, nearly one in three coffee bags is now consumed in producing countries, a share that has been steadily increasing.
Sustainability
Eva’s story is not just about business success; it’s about sustainability and community impact. By working closely with the Nairobi Coffee Exchange (NCE), Kenya’s central marketplace for coffee trading, Eva ensures that her business adheres to ethical and sustainable practices. Her commitment to empowering women farmers not only improves their livelihoods but also strengthens the entire coffee value chain.
As global coffee prices continue to rise and supply chains remain strained, initiatives like ShowcaseHER program are more important than ever.
Eva’s success is a powerful reminder of the potential that lies within Africa’s agricultural sector. With the right support, African entrepreneurs can not only meet global demand but also create lasting positive change in their communities.
READ; Nairobi Coffee Exchange to be Brought Under CMA Supervision
