Uganda dominates at Paris Coffee Awards, winning multiple golds in the international competition
Uganda’s coffee industry achieved global success at the 10th International Competition for ‘Originally Roasted Coffees’ in Paris, winning three gold, one silver, three bronze, and eight gourmet medals.
Supported by the Uganda Coffee Development Authority (UCDA), a delegation of 12 Ugandan coffee roasters showcased standout brands such as Rubanga Coffee, Gorilla Highlands Coffee, and Volcafe Uganda.
Industry leaders celebrated the awards as a milestone for Uganda’s coffee quality improvements, though concerns were raised over proposed plans to merge UCDA with the agriculture ministry.
The Uganda Coffee Federation and other stakeholders praised UCDA’s role in positioning Ugandan coffee on the global stage and stressed the importance of maintaining quality and international participation.
Uganda’s coffee industry has achieved global recognition with an outstanding performance at the 10th International Competition for “Originally Roasted Coffees,” hosted by the Agency for the Valorisation of Agricultural Products (AVPA) in Paris. Backed by the Uganda Coffee Development Authority (UCDA), Team Uganda returned home with an impressive array of awards: three gold, one silver, three bronze, and eight gourmet medals, underscoring the nation’s commitment to premium-quality coffee production.
Represented by 12 skilled coffee roasters, Uganda’s delegation showcased the country’s exceptional quality and growing reputation in the international coffee market. Among the standout brands were Rubanga Coffee, Gorilla Highlands Coffee, Volcafe Uganda, Sasa Coffee, and Great Lakes Coffee House Blend, each distinguishing themselves among competitors from around the globe.
Celebrations erupted on social media as the news spread, with industry supporters and coffee enthusiasts praising the accomplishments. “UCDA’s performance is extremely nice, congratulations!” tweeted one admirer, a sentiment echoed widely online.
Sam Mugabi, chairperson of the Ankole Coffee Farmers Union, hailed the recent awards as a “big milestone for Ugandan coffee.” He noted that, historically, Uganda struggled with quality perception but has made strides, largely due to UCDA’s regulatory efforts to uphold quality and integrity standards across the supply chain. “If this position can be attained globally, it means we are moving forward,” said Mugabi, attributing the improvement to UCDA’s efforts.
Martin Maraka, chief executive officer of the Uganda Coffee Federation, praised the achievement and underscored the importance of Uganda’s ongoing participation in international coffee competitions. “Well done on continuing to improve coffee quality and participating in these contests,” said Maraka. He emphasized that competing on the global stage raises Uganda’s profile and strengthens its coffee industry.
The AVPA, a non-governmental, non-profit organization, celebrates agricultural excellence by recognizing quality and distinctiveness in coffee and other agricultural products. This year’s honors for Uganda underscore the country’s ascent as a competitive force in the global coffee landscape.
