Uganda's Coffee Exports to Turkey Surge 2,200% in Five Years
The Uganda Coffee Development Authority (UCDA) and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs continue to support efforts to establish a strong presence in the Turkish market.
KAMPALA, Uganda — Uganda has achieved a remarkable breakthrough in the Turkish coffee market, with exports skyrocketing by 2,200% between 2019 and 2024, writes Winston Mwale.
Coffee shipments to Turkey increased from 2,000 bags (120 tons) in 2019 to 44,000 bags (2,640 tons) in 2024, according to data released on June 29, 2024.
Key points:
1. Strategic Focus: The Uganda Mission in Turkey shifted its approach to focus on coffee, a product Turkey cannot easily substitute.
2. Market Demand: Turkey's coffee consumption has quadrupled in the last decade, reaching 1.7 kg per capita in 2023.
3. Economic Impact: Using current market prices, the value of these exports represents a significant economic boost for Uganda.
4. Future Potential: Estimates suggest Uganda's coffee exports to Turkey could reach USD 1.5 billion by 2025.
Julius Mwijutsya, Counselor for Economic and Commercial Diplomacy at the Uganda Embassy in Ankara, stated, "Turkey offers a significant opportunity for Ugandan coffee exporters, with its large population and growing economy making it an attractive market."
Uganda's success in the Turkish market is attributed to:
- High-quality Robusta coffees, especially Screen 18 and Screen 15
- Active promotion at events like the Coffex International Coffee Exhibition in Istanbul
- Turkey's booming tourism industry, with Istanbul being the most visited city globally in 2023
The Uganda Coffee Development Authority (UCDA) and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs continue to support efforts to establish a strong presence in the Turkish market.
As Mwijutsya concludes his tour of duty, he expressed confidence in the mission's strategic plan and his successor's ability to maintain this growth trajectory, potentially solidifying Uganda's position as a major player in the global coffee market.