6th September 2023, Kampala – The Uganda Coffee Development Authority (UCDA) and Uganda Coffee Federation have today released the final scores of the Best of the Pearl Robusta Competition 2023 with Ankole Coffee Producers Cooperative (ACPCU) and Zigoti Coffee as winners.
Ankole Coffee Producers Cooperative topped the Natural Coffee category with a cupping score of 86.25 and the washed coffee category with a cupping score of 83.5. Zigoti Coffee won the Honey Coffee category with a cupping score of 85.5. These are the best robusta coffees for 2023 and will be showcased to coffee buyers globally.
The competition, organised by the Uganda Coffee Development Authority (UCDA) and Uganda Coffee Federation in partnership with the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) under the Feed the Future Uganda Inclusive Agricultural Markets Activity, run from 29th August – 1st September 2023 at the UCDA Coffee Quality Laboratory. This annual competition helps to identify high-quality producers.
Thirty-six samples of Robusta coffees were cupped, graded, and analysed by a panel of qualified and experienced local judges led by Brenda K Mangeni, the Head Judge, and Clare Rwakatogoro, Veronica Najjemba, Fidel Bakomeza, and Jacob Baterierega. The judges used the Coffee Quality Institute (CQI) Fine Robusta score sheet and protocols to identify and select the best Robusta coffees from across Uganda.
Zigoti's honey coffee profile was Rasin, Cocoa, Black Currants, Winey, Vanilla, and Coffee Blossom. ACPCU's natural coffee profile was Coffee Blossom, Mixed Berries, Winey, Raisin, and Tangerine. ACPCU's honey coffee profile was Coffee Blossom, Butter, Chocolate, Honey, Mango Nectar and Hints Of Berries.
Uganda is the birthplace of Robusta coffee. With increased coffee quality comes higher earnings for farmers and the country.