About the Taste of Harvest
The Taste of Harvest is Africa’s premier annual coffee quality competition, owned and powered by the African Fine Coffees Association (AFCA). Through rigorous national competitions and curated online auctions, we celebrate the continent’s finest Arabica and Robusta coffees while creating direct market opportunities for producers and positioning African coffee at the heart of the global specialty industry.
In partnership with the International Trade Centre’s (ITC) EU–EAC MARKUP II Programme, Taste of Harvest is entering a new era — expanding its reach through online auctions to connect producers directly with buyers around the world.
Preserving Heritage, Inspiring Innovation
At Taste of Harvest, we prioritize traditional processing methods because they remain the backbone of African coffee excellence. Washed, Natural, and Honey processes have been refined over generations, producing the clarity, consistency, and distinctive flavor profiles that global buyers recognize and trust. By highlighting these methods, we celebrate the craft and heritage of producers while providing a fair benchmark for competition.
At the same time, we embrace innovation. The Experimental Category showcases new approaches to fermentation, drying, and processing, highlighting producers who are pushing boundaries and exploring exciting flavor possibilities.
This balance between honoring tradition and welcoming innovation offers buyers a unique opportunity to experience the full spectrum of Africa’s coffee craftsmanship — from terroir-driven classics to cutting-edge expressions.
Robusta on the Rise
Taste of Harvest has long celebrated Africa’s exceptional Robusta coffees, but for the first time ever, these award-winning lots will move beyond the competition and into the Taste of Harvest Auction Platform.
Robusta has been deeply rooted in African coffee heritage for centuries, thriving naturally in Uganda’s rainforests and shaping the livelihoods of countless farming communities. Today, Uganda and Tanzania’s fine Robustas are gaining recognition among specialty buyers worldwide for their rich body, complexity, and versatility — especially in espresso and high-quality blends.
By bringing fine Robustas to auction for the first time, Taste of Harvest is expanding opportunities for producers and reshaping global perceptions, positioning African Robustas alongside the continent’s most celebrated Arabicas.
About AFCA
Founded in July 2000, the African Fine Coffees Association (AFCA) is a member-based, non-profit association that represents producers, traders, government, and other support organizations. AFCA’s mission is to lead, motivate, and professionalise the African coffee sector by building member capacity, creating market linkages, hosting events, and raising the value of African coffee.
