Johannesburg, South Africa, October 22, 2024 — African coffee, renowned for its rich heritage and flavor, is making waves on the global stage, particularly from countries like Liberia, Ghana, and Cameroon. At the recent Paris Coffee Show 2024 (September 7-9), the spotlight was on the unique varieties of Robusta and Liberica coffee, showcasing Africa’s growing influence in the global coffee market.
Historically, Africa has been associated with Arabica and Robusta varieties, but today, lesser-known species such as Liberica and Arabusta are gaining traction, giving global consumers a new appreciation of Africa’s diverse coffee offerings.
However, despite significant progress, African coffee producers still face challenges like limited market access and infrastructure gaps. The International Trade Centre (ITC), through the ACP Business-Friendly Programme, funded by the European Union and the Organization of African, Caribbean, and Pacific States, is actively supporting African coffee entrepreneurs in overcoming these hurdles. The recent participation of African coffee businesses at the Paris Coffee Show underscores this support.
Liberica Coffee’s Global Debut
Ghana, more commonly associated with cocoa, is now re-emerging as a key player in the global coffee scene. One standout exhibitor was Fortune Coffee, led by Fortune Agbele, who introduced Liberica coffee at the Paris Coffee Show. Largely sourced from neighboring Liberia, Liberica coffee features a distinctive flavor profile and has immense growth potential.
“Our objective was clear—to introduce Liberica coffee to a wider audience and forge key business relationships,” said Agbele.
Fortune Coffee secured partnerships at the show to enhance grading and packaging processes, marking a key step in positioning Liberica as a competitive, premium coffee choice in European markets.
Cameroon’s Collaborative Innovation in Coffee
Another highlight from the Paris Coffee Show was Cameroon’s robust coffee industry. Terrific Coffee, represented by Thierry Djanga, generated considerable interest, particularly through its collaborative efforts and focus on value addition.
“We are already in discussions with several roasters and importers, and the response has been incredibly positive,” Djanga shared.
Cameroon’s Cocoa and Coffee Interprofessional Council (CICC), represented by Ediage Masango Samuel Ngwane, emphasized the importance of traceability in coffee supply chains, a trend increasingly valued by international buyers. Cameroon is aligning its efforts with global sustainability demands, positioning itself as a leader in eco-friendly and traceable coffee production.
Technology and Sustainability Leading the Way
The Paris Coffee Show 2024 was not just a marketplace but also a hub for showcasing new technologies and innovations. African coffee entrepreneurs explored advanced roasting machines, sustainable packaging, and eco-friendly coffee capsules—advancements that not only enhance production efficiency but also meet the growing consumer demand for sustainability.
African coffee companies are steadily integrating these technologies into their operations, boosting production capabilities while reducing their environmental footprints. Platforms like the Paris Coffee Show offer vital exposure, allowing African businesses to establish key international relationships and stay ahead of industry trends.
The Future of African Coffee
The Paris Coffee Show 2024 highlighted the immense potential of African coffee on the global stage. Companies like Fortune Coffee and Terrific Coffee are leading the charge by leveraging innovation, sustainability, and collaboration to secure Africa’s place in the global coffee market.
With increasing international interest and a heightened focus on sustainable practices, the future of African coffee looks brighter than ever. The achievements of these small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are not just milestones for business; they are redefining Africa’s role in the global coffee narrative.
