US buyers keen to source coffee from the East African region
The USAID East African Trade and Investment Hub supported East African coffee producers to connect with U.S. retailers at this month's Coffee Fest in Portland, Oregon.
The October 13 - 15 event brought together a broad spectrum of the U.S. coffee industry, including roasters, retailers and coffee producers.
The event helped the exhibiting companies to generate 20 solid linkages that, if realized, represent $100,000 in East African coffee exports.
The Hub-supported East African Pavilion held daily cupping sessions to wow visitors with the high quality and unique flavor profiles of East African coffees and to support market linkages.
“In order to create broad awareness in the U.S. of the quality coffees of East Africa, it is imperative for us as an organization representing the industry to be consistent in our presentation to buyers. Attendance at Coffee Fest accomplished this goal for us. It is an ongoing effort to which we are committed," said Samuel Kamau Chief Executive Officer, Africa Fine Coffees Association .
Coffee Fest is a trade show held three times a year in different locations in the U.S. Find out more here.