Uganda launches 10 regional coffee flavour profiles to boost specialty trade
Kampala, Uganda
Uganda on Friday formally launched its first nationally-endorsed set of regional coffee flavour profiles — a classification system that identifies 10 distinct regional flavour signatures (six Robusta, four Arabica) intended to help exporters, roasters and buyers describe, market and add value to Ugandan coffee. The launch held in Kampala and presided over by the State Minister of Agriculture, Hon. Fred Bwino Kyakulaga.
The Uganda Coffee Development Authority (UCDA), working with local and international cupping partners, unveiled the profiles after analysing hundreds of cupping samples collected from across Uganda’s agro-ecological zones. The profiles assign sensory descriptors (aroma, acidity, body and characteristic flavour notes) to specific producing regions so that exporters can attach a recognisable regional identity to lots heading to international buyers.
Key quotes
“We launch these regional flavour profiles to tell the world the story of Ugandan coffee — not as anonymous commodity but as origin-driven, traceable and flavourful lots,” Minister Fred Bwino said at the launch. UCDA officials said the tool will be published and used in promotional campaigns, buyer missions and trade shows.
Why it matters
Differentiation for value: Uganda is the world’s largest Robusta producer, but much of its export remains traded as bulk commodity. Regional flavour profiles let exporters sell origin and flavour, opening pathways to specialty buyers and potential price premiums.
Traceability and marketing: Naming regions and typical sensory tags makes it easier for roasters and retailers abroad to request, identify and repeat purchases of Ugandan origin coffees.
What to watch
- Price effects at origin: Monitor whether buyers begin paying premiums for lots marketed under the new profiles and whether that premium reaches smallholder farmers.
- Adoption and verification: Watch for UCDA’s roll-out of cupping records or third-party verification mechanisms to ensure shipped lots conform to the named profiles.
- Export marketing campaigns: Track UCDA trade missions and publicity (trade shows, international buyer events) to see if the profiles are adopted by importers and roasters.
