Kenya develops national coffee flavour atlas
The initiative will document diverse coffee profiles from 34 counties, with findings published in 2027.
Kenya's coffee industry is creating a national flavour atlas to document diverse coffee profiles across the country. The Kenya Coffee Flavor Map initiative will analyze approximately 500 samples from 34 coffee-growing counties, with results expected in 2027. This project aims to connect specific flavour characteristics with regional origins, varieties, and production methods.
Producers, co-operatives, researchers, and sensory professionals are collaborating on the initiative, which involves blind sensory evaluations by Kenyan and international coffee cuppers. The findings will be made freely available to the industry and will be a central feature of the Kenya Coffee Flavor & Origin Expo in Nairobi from November 14-16. Professional cupping sessions are scheduled for November 15 and 16.
The planned atlas will include regional flavour profiles, visual maps, and a searchable database to showcase the diversity of Kenyan coffee. Marty Pollack, co-founder of Torch Coffee, stated the project will foster collaboration between Kenyan and international coffee professionals. The initiative is supported by the Government of Kenya, the Coffee Board of Kenya, and the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) in Kenya.
Why it mattersKenyan coffee producers and exporters will gain a shared reference for understanding and communicating the unique characteristics of their coffees.