The Kenya Revenue Authority's Integrated Customs Management System (iCMS) suffered a sudden technical failure that went unrepaired for five consecutive days, severely disrupting operations at the Port of Mombasa and leaving coffee and tea worth billions of Kenyan shillings stranded at the port, unable to be exported. This is not the first time the system has encountered problems; a similar incident occurred in April 2023. As the largest port in East Africa, the Port of Mombasa serves several landlocked countries, and this failure has not only hit Kenya's own trade but also affected the export of coffee and other agricultural products from surrounding areas such as Tanzania, Uganda, and Rwanda. At the same time, Kenyan coffee auction prices have hit a new high for the year, demonstrating strong international demand for its high-quality coffee. [more…]

The Red Sea crisis continues to escalate, and Ethiopian coffee exporters are experiencing unprecedented logistics difficulties. Only one ship docks at the Port of Djibouti each month, leaving large quantities of coffee beans stranded at the port, while turning to Kenya's Port of Mombasa means facing a long overland transport route. At the same time, domestic policy factors such as the "vertical integration" plan and caps on bank loan growth are further disrupting the supply chain. Growers and suppliers are owed billions of birr in receivables, which has even triggered violent clashes and suicides. Coffee exporters are calling on the government to come up with a long-term solution rather than temporary fixes. This article will provide an in-depth analysis of how this multifaceted crisis is striking at the export lifeline of a globally important coffee-producing region. [more…]

The word mocha carries multiple meanings—it refers both to the ancient coffee beans originating from the port of Mocha in Yemen, and to a flavored espresso drink made with chocolate, and even to a classic household coffee-brewing device. This article will take you through the historical origins of mocha coffee, clarify the dispute over its place of origin, explain in detail the flavor characteristics of Yemeni mocha beans and the source of their chocolate notes, and also introduce variations such as flavored mocha and white mocha, as well as the enduringly popular extraction tool, the moka pot. Whether you are fond of pure single-origin beans or prefer sweet chocolate coffee drinks, you can find the information you need in this detailed overview. [more…]

Mocha coffee beans are a highly recognizable classic variety in the coffee world, originating from Ethiopia and famed for their small size, intense aroma, and prominent acidity and body. This article starts from the characteristics of the origin, roasting suggestions, and taste and aroma to outline the varietal traits of Mocha coffee beans, and traces the historical origins of the name "Mocha"—from the export history of Yemen's Port of Mocha to the shifts in Africa's coffee export ports. At the same time, the article retains practical suggestions for use as a single origin or in blends, as well as related recommendations from the Front Street Coffee brand, making it suitable for coffee enthusiasts to systematically understand the full picture of Mocha coffee. [more…]

Kenya is a coffee origin that cannot be overlooked on the global specialty coffee map, renowned for its intensely bright acidity and complex layers. This article provides a systematic overview of Kenyan coffee cultivation, including the capital Nairobi, the port city of Mombasa, nearly 700,000 smallholder families, growing conditions at elevations ranging from 1,400 to over 2,000 meters, and varieties such as SL28, SL34, Ruiru 11, Batian, and K7. The article also outlines the main and secondary harvest seasons, the major growing regions in the central and western areas, and compares the flavor differences across counties such as Nyeri, Embu, and Thika. It focuses on analyzing the Kenyan-style 72-hour washed processing method (K72), detailing its process and advantages, while also introducing the lesser-seen traditional natural-processed Kenyan coffee, including the historical background and flavor profile of Missionary Bourbon. Finally, it includes two comparison bean information cards and brewing suggestions, making it ideal for coffee enthusiasts looking to gain a comprehensive understanding of Kenyan coffee. [more…]

When you hear "Mocha," what comes to mind? Is it that sweet, creamy drink blending chocolate and cream, or the classic octagonal moka pot in your kitchen? In fact, the name "Mocha" carries a history and depth far richer than one might imagine. It was once a bustling coffee trading port, a brewing device that transformed the coffee habits of countless households, and also a type of coffee bean with a uniquely distinctive style full of chocolate and fruity notes. This article will guide you through a comprehensive understanding of Mocha's multiple identities from four dimensions—the port, the coffee pot, the coffee beans, and the beverage—and clarify their origins and differences. Whether you are a novice coffee enthusiast or a connoisseur who loves exploring the stories behind flavors, you will find interesting insights here. Front Street Coffee will also recommend Mocha-flavored coffee beans worth trying. [more…]

As a landlocked country, Ethiopia has long relied on the ports of neighboring Djibouti for its coffee exports. However, the ongoing Red Sea crisis has made this lifeline increasingly precarious. Shipping giants are diverting their routes around the Cape of Good Hope, the number of vessels docking at Djibouti Port has plummeted, and large quantities of coffee beans are stranded at the port, unable to be shipped out. Ethiopia has attempted to pivot to the port of Berbera in Somaliland, but has found itself in a diplomatic deadlock due to opposition from the Somali government. Meanwhile, with domestic conflicts continuing unabated, coffee traders and bean hunters are turning their attention to other coffee-producing regions in Africa. Data shows that both coffee export volumes and revenues declined in the first 10 months of the current fiscal year. Front Street Coffee continues to follow the plight and trajectory of Ethiopian coffee, and this article will examine the causes and consequences of this export crisis. [more…]

Recently, the security situation in the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden has remained tense, causing most shipping companies to suspend or adjust routes through the Suez Canal and instead divert around the Cape of Good Hope. In its latest monthly logistics report, Swiss coffee trader Sucafina noted that frequent armed attacks have sharply increased risks near the Bab-el-Mandeb Strait; some carriers have resumed passage, but several companies, including CMA CGM and Maersk, have announced they will impose war risk surcharges. Route changes have extended shipping cycles by 2 to 3 weeks, reduced container turnover efficiency, and tightened capacity, which may further push up freight rates. Meanwhile, coffee transport in East African producing regions has been disrupted by truck and fuel shortages, with severe congestion at ports such as Dar es Salaam. Although Vietnamese robusta coffee prices have edged down slightly, Brazilian coffee prices have continued to rise on drought concerns. Front Street Coffee notes that supply chain pressure is transmitting from the shipping side to the consumption side, and coffee prices still face upside risks in the short term. [more…]

The European Parliament recently voted to postpone the implementation date of the EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR) to December 2025, giving Kenyan coffee exporters an extra year of buffer time to adapt to the new rules. However, many exporters remain deeply worried, believing that under current conditions it will be very difficult to meet the EU's strict requirements. The EU is one of the most important overseas markets for Kenyan coffee, accounting for more than 20% of its total exports. Yet with Kenya's fragmented smallholder farmers, underprepared cooperatives, high compliance costs, and multiple pressures including stalled reforms, climate-related production declines, the Red Sea crisis, and port congestion, the outlook for this East African coffee-producing country is full of uncertainty. [more…]

After Kenyan President Ruto withdrew the Finance Bill 2024, the wave of public protests did not subside, and demonstrations broke out again in many places on July 16. This social unrest triggered by tax increases has already had a substantial impact on Kenya's coffee industry: shrinking cultivation area, shutdowns at processing plants, and export delays, leaving the industry's prospects full of uncertainty. This article reviews the sequence of events and examines the chain effects of political instability on coffee production and trade. [more…]

On July 25, the Kenyan Parliament unanimously voted to delete all 65 clauses of the 2024 Finance Bill, yet failed to quell the escalating wave of public protests. From the clashes triggered by tax increases in June to the dissolution of the cabinet and the opposition party's entry into government, which sparked even greater discontent, the demonstrations have spread to Nairobi, Mombasa, and other places, affecting the tourism and coffee industries. As an important coffee-producing country in Africa, Kenya has seen coffee processing plants shut down and exports blocked, casting a grim outlook on the industry's development. Front Street Coffee continues to monitor developments in the producing areas and brings you in-depth analysis. [more…]

In 2021, the global tea market experienced severe fluctuations under the impact of the pandemic. Kenya's Mombasa auction saw increased volumes and stable prices, Sri Lanka's Ceylon black tea prices soared due to reduced production, and India debated whether to lower import tariffs because of high domestic prices. The food service channel accounts for 20% of global tea sales, and the pandemic led to the closure of a large number of restaurants, profoundly changing the supply and demand landscape. This article will review auction prices, production changes, and trade policy trends for Kenyan and Sri Lankan black tea, answer whether Basilur black tea is too expensive, a concern for tea lovers, and recommend related selection ideas from Front Street Coffee. [more…]

Kenyan coffee is world-renowned for its bright and complex acidity, and the K72 washed processing method pushes this characteristic to the extreme. This article will take you deep into Kenya's coffee origins and variety composition, break down every step of the K72 double fermentation process in detail, and compare and taste the flavor differences brought by washed and natural processing methods. From the Asali Honey Processing Station in the Thika region to the French Mission Bourbon at Hania Estate, we will use two coffees of distinctly different styles as samples to analyze their aroma, acidity, sweetness, and aftertaste. Whether you are a beginner just getting to know Kenyan coffee or an experienced enthusiast looking for brewing inspiration, this article can provide you with valuable reference. [more…]

Rwanda, known as the "Land of a Thousand Hills," is a prominent African coffee-producing country after Kenya and Ethiopia. However, unlike these two countries with long histories of coffee production, Rwanda's coffee industry was rebuilt from the rubble of war and genocide. This article will guide you through Rwanda's coffee-growing environment, Bourbon varieties, washed processing techniques, and the industry's revival path from the PEARL program to Starbucks' "Blue Bourbon." At the same time, Front Street Coffee will share roasting and brewing recommendations for Rwandan washed Red Bourbon, allowing you to savor the bright citrus acidity and nutty chocolate sweetness while feeling the resilience and hope of this land reborn from the ashes. [more…]

Uganda is located in East Africa and cultivates both Arabica and Robusta coffee varieties within its borders. It is known as the "Land of Lakes and Rivers" and the "Pearl of East Africa." Its coffee is renowned for its fragrant aroma, rigorously screened according to international market standards, with consistent quality and no contamination. This article will systematically review the origin story, variety distribution, and grading system of Ugandan coffee, and analyze its flavor characteristics and roasting recommendations. Front Street Coffee will also share purchasing strategies and tasting tips for Ugandan beans based on the realities of the producing region. [more…]

Kenyan black tea is a tea industry powerhouse—fourth in global production and first in exports. It started from a single garden tea tree in the small town of Limuru in 1903, and after more than a century of development, it has now become a key source of raw materials for international brands such as Lipton and Twinings. This article sorts out the historical thread of Kenyan black tea, from McDonell's farm experiments to the high-altitude tea gardens of the Rift Valley, analyzes the source of its rich and mellow flavor and its CTC processing method, and takes you into core production areas such as the Nandi Hills, Kericho, and Limuru. Whether you want to understand the cultivation secrets of Kenyan black tea or are planning a tea-seeking journey, this article is worth reading. Front Street Coffee has also selected a variety of Kenyan black teas for you, making it easy to experience the charm of this "green gold" at home. [more…]

Kenya, as a representative producing country of African specialty coffee, has always been a focus of coffee lovers' attention in terms of its production area distribution and processing techniques. Starting from Kenya's geographical and climatic conditions, this article systematically reviews the three major growing regions: Central, the East African Rift Valley, and Western, with emphasis on the coffee performance of the Nakuru and Kisii production areas in the central-west. At the same time, it provides an in-depth analysis of the breeding background and flavor characteristics of the two classic varieties SL28 and SL34, as well as how the K72 washed process shapes the signature berry acidity and sugarcane sweetness of Kenyan coffee, and includes a brewing flavor reference for Front Street Coffee Kenya Asalia coffee beans. [more…]

On October 22, port workers across Brazil launched a 12-hour strike to protest the government's amendments to the Port Law, with about 60,000 employees participating, disrupting loading and unloading at ports throughout Brazil. The strike comes at a critical time for coffee exports; earlier, about 2.15 million bags of coffee had already been stranded at the docks due to port delays, and the strike could make matters worse. Meanwhile, Brazil's coffee-growing regions have entered the rainy season after experiencing severe drought, but the coffee trees have been severely damaged, and production expectations for the next crop season are not optimistic. Caught between port transport and climate problems, the global coffee supply chain faces challenges. [more…]

As a landlocked country, Ethiopia has long depended on the Port of Djibouti for its imports and exports. Recently, Djibouti announced that it would grant Ethiopia full management rights over the Port of Tadjoura, a move seen as an opportunity that could ease the difficulties Ethiopia faces in exporting coffee and other agricultural products. However, Ethiopia's relations with Somalia have continued to deteriorate over the Somaliland memorandum of understanding, and the involvement of Egypt and Eritrea has made the situation in the Horn of Africa even more tense. At the same time, armed conflict is spreading within Ethiopia, the currency is depreciating, and coffee export volumes have fallen by 27%, leaving the industry's prospects full of uncertainty. Although the Port of Tadjoura offers a glimmer of hope, the port is still located in the Gulf of Aden, within the range of Houthi attacks, and whether it can truly be effective remains to be seen. [more…]

Armed conflict within Ethiopia continues to spread. Clashes recently erupted in the Dara area of North Shewa Zone, causing civilian casualties and large-scale displacement. Meanwhile, two trucks carrying Ethiopian weapons were intercepted and seized in central Somalia, triggering diplomatic tensions. This series of events could reduce Ethiopia's previously signed agreement with Somaliland on the use of Berbera Port to nothing, while Djibouti Port faces suspension of operations due to the Red Sea crisis. Coffee exports, the backbone of the country's economy, are facing an unprecedented logistics predicament. [more…]