Kenya Africa Coffee AA Grade Classification System & Kenya Coffee Region Flavor Profiles

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FrontStreet Coffee - Kenya Coffee Classification System and Development History Introduction

As early as the 8th century AD, there were already records about coffee. By the 17th century, coffee houses had also become popular. Its neighboring country, Ethiopia, is even known as the origin of coffee. However, coffee only entered Kenya in the 19th century and only began to be cultivated in the early 20th century. Yet, looking at Kenya now, it has become one of the world's leading specialty coffee producing regions.

Initially - coffee was cultivated on large plantations under British colonial rule; the harvested coffee beans were then transported to London for sale. In 1933, the Coffee Ordinance was passed, and the Kenya Coffee Committee was established, which transferred coffee sales affairs back to Kenya. In the early 1950s, shortly after the Mau Mau Uprising in Kenya, the government passed the Agricultural Act, allowing each family to increase farmland ownership. Besides being self-sufficient, they could also grow crops to increase income. This also marked the beginning of coffee production transitioning from British to Kenyan hands. Total revenue increased from 5.2 million pounds in 1955 to 14 million pounds in 1964; of which 55% of the growth was attributed to coffee production.

Kenya is renowned as a producing region that classifies coffee beans by particle size. Generally divided into nine grades, based on bean shape, there is PB, which is peaberry, accounting for about 10% of total production. Additionally, based on size, there are E (Elephant Bean), AA, AB, C, T, TT, MH, ML.

Kenya Coffee Grade Classifications

AA Plus (AA+): AA grade with particularly excellent cupping quality (flavor, mouthfeel)

AA: Screen size 17-18

AB: Screen size 15-16, accounting for the majority of production

C: Screen size smaller than AB

TT: Lighter weight beans blown out from AA and AB grade beans using air classifiers

T: Lighter weight beans blown out from C grade beans using air classifiers

E: Elephant Bean - a large mutant bean where two beans are combined, also called elephant ear

UG: Those that do not meet the above standards

PB: Peaberry, classified by shape, unrelated to flavor or weight

Knowledge Bonus

Coffee in Kenya has two main trading models: auction at the Nairobi Coffee Exchange (central auction system), where 85% of coffee beans are traded through the auction system. Or through direct trade (often called "the second window"), where only 15% of coffee beans are traded through this direct trade model.

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