African coffee, renowned for its rich heritage and unique flavours, is making significant strides in the global market, particularly from countries like Liberia, Ghana, and Cameroon.
Traditionally associated with Arabica and Robusta varieties, the continent is now embracing lesser-known species, including Liberica and Arabusta, which are captivating global consumers with their distinct taste profiles.
African coffee companies showcased their innovations and progress at the Paris Coffee Show 2024 held in September.
The event served as a pivotal platform for businesses to present their coffee alongside the entrepreneurial spirit and sustainability efforts driving Africa’s coffee revolution.
Ghana, traditionally more recognized for its cocoa production, is re-emerging as a key player in the global coffee arena.
Fortune Coffee, led by Fortune Agbele and a participant in Ghana’s ACP Business-Friendly cohort, focused on promoting Liberica coffee, which is primarily sourced from neighbouring Liberia.
“Our objective was clear – to introduce Liberica coffee to a wider audience and forge key business relationships,” Agbele said.
The initiative to promote “neglected coffee species” like Liberica is part of a broader strategy to diversify Africa’s coffee offerings and cater to niche markets seeking unique flavors and sustainable sources.
Fortune Coffee’s efforts resulted in securing vital partnerships during the show, paving the way for improvements in grading and packaging processes that will position Liberica as a competitive, premium coffee choice in European markets.
Cameroon also made a strong impression at the Paris Coffee Show, with companies like Terrific Coffee generating significant interest among international buyers.
“We are already in discussions with several roasters and importers, and the response has been incredibly positive,” Terrific Coffee representative Thierry Djanga said.
Cameroon’s coffee sector thrives on collaboration, with a focus on value addition and responsiveness to emerging trends.
The Cocoa and Coffee Interprofessional Council (CICC) plays a pivotal role in this collaborative approach, emphasizing sustainability in coffee production.
CICC’s Ediage Masango Samuel Ngwane highlighted the increasing importance of traceability in coffee supply chains, which aligns with global market demands for ethical sourcing.
Despite these advancements, African coffee producers continue to grapple with several challenges, such as inadequate infrastructure and limited market access.
However, initiatives spearheaded by the International Trade Centre (ITC) under the ACP Business-Friendly programme – funded by the European Union and the Organisation of African, Caribbean and Pacific States – are providing crucial support to entrepreneurs and small to medium-sized businesses in the sector.
The Paris Coffee Show 2024 functioned as a hub for technological advancements and industry innovations.
African small businesses took the opportunity to explore advanced roasting machines, sustainable packaging solutions and eco-friendly coffee capsules.
These innovations not only enhance production efficiency but also minimise environmental impact – a critical consideration as consumers increasingly prioritise sustainability.
By incorporating these technologies, African coffee companies are working to meet international standards while reducing their carbon footprints.
JN/APA