Showcasing Excellence in Coffee: The Regional Golden Cup 2026

The Regional Golden Cup Coffee Quality Contest 2026, held on 27 March in Addis Ababa, brought together top coffee producers and stakeholders from Ethiopia, Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda. Organized by the International Trade Centre (ITC) ACP Programme in partnership with Fairtrade Africa, the event highlighted East Africa’s growing excellence in coffee quality and competitiveness in global markets.

ITC Support Driving Quality and Market Access
The contest showcased the impact of ITC’s support in strengthening the coffee value chain. Through capacity building, technical assistance, and regional coordination, ITC has enabled cooperatives to improve quality standards, adopt international cupping practices, and access premium markets. Several coffees achieved specialty-grade scores above 88, reflecting these advancements.

ITC also facilitated high-level discussions on leveraging quality for better incomes and preparing for the European Union Deforestation Regulation (EUDR). These dialogues emphasized practical strategies to enhance market access, strengthen sustainability, and turn compliance into opportunity.

Advancing Innovation and Collaboration
The event brought together cooperatives, government institutions, private sector actors, and women-led initiatives, promoting knowledge exchange and inclusive growth. Participants shared innovations in climate-smart agriculture, digital traceability, and value addition—key areas supported by ITC programmes.

Recognizing Excellence and Impact
Top-performing producers from across the region were recognized, demonstrating East Africa’s rising profile in the specialty coffee market. The contest contributed to improved quality practices, stronger market strategies, and increased readiness for sustainability requirements.

RBC Ethiopia Programme: Strengthening Sustainability
Complementing these efforts, the ITC Responsible Business Conduct (RBC) Ethiopia Programme is supporting cooperatives and exporters to align with environmental, social, and governance (ESG) standards. Recent activities include coaching on sustainability documentation, field-level support to improve implementation, and the development of a marketing strategy to access high-value markets.

Looking Ahead
The 2026 Golden Cup reaffirmed East Africa’s position as a producer of high-quality coffee. With continued ITC support, the region is advancing sustainability, improving market access, and strengthening its role in the global coffee industry.