Kenyan coffee is graded by size, weight and shape into different grades:
This the cream of the crop – large, dense beans over 7.2mm in diameter that are assigned a size of 18. AA grade Kenyan coffees are considered among the finest in the world. They exhibit a bright, lively acidity balanced with a rich, wine-like fruitiness and sweet, floral aromas. The body is typically light yet flavorful.
Only slightly smaller than AA at 6.8mm (size 16-17), AB grade still ranks as a premium coffee. It combines both A and B beans and accounts for around 40% of Kenya’s crop. While not quite as prized as AA, AB grade offers a similar bright, fruity, complex profile
These are natural “pearls” – single, rounded beans instead of two flat-sided ones. At size 17, peaberries are dense and concentrated in flavor, making up around 5% of the crop.
The largest of all, size 21 and up, these “elephant beans” come from cherry with conjoined seeds. Their impressive size gives a deeply rich, full-bodied cup.
Falling in the 12-14 size range, C grade contains the thinner, smaller beans sorted out from AB during grading. Great for blending and usually has a lower acidity.
These are beans sorted out for having a lighter density than the premium AA, AB and E grades. Despite their size of 16-20, their lower density affects the flavor.
The smallest grade under size 12, T comprises broken, defective, and thin beans sorted from the C grade.
This are classified as parchment three (P3). They are either harvested from the trees as over ripes or under ripes. At the dry mill they are separated and graded as MH ( Heavy Mbuni) high density or ML (Light Mbuni), lighter density. They have fruity notes (grape) and when the higher density MH is sorted well it may qualify as a specialty coffee.
This is the latest entry in the Kenya Auction Grading system. It indicates that the coffee underwent natural processing rather than the common wet-wash process used in Kenya.
UG1 stands for “Ungraded 1.” This category includes all beans that do not meet the specific criteria for the official grades such as AA, AB, or C. These beans are a mix of various sizes and qualities, which do not conform to the stringent standards of the higher grades.
UG2, or “Ungraded M’buni,” refers to ungraded dry processed (naturally processed) coffee. M’buni is a Swahili term referring to coffee cherries that are dried whole rather than depulped before drying. These beans are generally of lower quality compared to wet-processed beans.
HE grade includes beans separated from the TT and E grades. These are often considered rejects from the TT and E sorting processes and include fragments and lighter beans that did not meet the quality standards of the TT and E grades.
SB, or “Screen Bold,” refers to coffee beans that are larger in size but not as dense as AA or AB grades. These beans are separated based on their size using a sieve or screen, where the bold, larger beans are collected. However, despite their larger size, SB beans may not necessarily have the same high density and quality as AA or AB grades.
Prices vary and depend on local and global market conditions. Get in touch with us today for current information.
Coffee is available in Kenya throughout the year. Depending on availability of the shipping vessel.
Our prices are usually calculated on Free-On-Board basis (FOB), Cost and Freight (C&F) or based on Cost, Insurance, and Freight (CIF)
Opening Hours: Monday - Friday: 8:00 A.M - 5:00 P.M | Saturday 8:00 A.M - 1:00 P.M
