Uganda has shipped the first consignment of 15,000 kilograms of ready-to-drink roasted coffee from the country exporting it to the Republic of Serbia.
This essentially Uganda’s maiden Coffee export to Serbia is valued at USD 187,500 equivalent to about 694 million Ugandan shillings. Not bad for starters.
The consignment contained blend 1 of 100 percent Robusta; weighing 13 tons, blend 2 comprising 80 percent Robusta and 20 percent Arabica, measuring 1000 kilograms and blend 3 combining 70 percent Arabica and 30 percent Robusta coffee weighing 1000kg.
The shipment was seen off last week from the Uganda Coffee Marketing Board (UCMB) in Bugolobi, Kampala.
The move marked a strategic shift from exporting raw beans overseas, to delivering high value finished products, therefore positioning local coffee on premium shelves in the European markets.
Andreas Nicolaides, is the director at Great Lakes Coffee Uganda, the company which is responsible for sourcing, roasting and packaging the coffee. He revealed that the 15-tonne container had nearly doubled the market value compared to traditional raw exports.
“If you look at the global market price, a container of Ugandan Robusta sells between USD 5.30 and USD 6.50 per kilogram. But this roasted and ready-to-drink coffee is now going at USD 12.50 per kilo,” Nicolaides said.
On the choice of transportation, the official said it was of more economical advantage by transporting the cargo by sea.
“Airfreight would cost about USD 2 per kilo, but sending it in a container shipment reduces the cost down to just 20–25 cents. Some worry about freshness, but once a committed buyer is in place, that risk is mitigated.”
Rwabwogo also highlighted that the coffee in this container was sourced from just three farmers in Masaka.
“When you work with a few farmers closely, you control quality better. These farmers were paid above the market rate because they ensured sorting, cleanliness, and consistency before delivering to the roaster.”
As Uganda eyes expansion into other European markets, Rwabwogo reaffirmed the importance of partnerships. “South-to-south collaboration, like that between Uganda and Serbia, shows what developing nations can achieve when they leverage each other’s strengths.”