Ugandan Specialty Coffee Wins Great Taste Awards 2026

Ugandan specialty coffee is earning new international recognition after four local producers secured stars at the Great Taste Awards 2026 in the United Kingdom. The results give Uganda’s coffee sector an important quality endorsement as producers work to expand into the UK and wider European markets.

Dream Coffee Uganda and Rugyeyo Farm each received one star, while The Edge Trading Company earned two stars for its Shamba Coffee. Meanwhile, Mwanyi Terimba Limited achieved the highest result with three stars for its Kaawa Mpologoma Robusta. Judges described it as “quite possibly the best Robusta” they could recall tasting, a significant endorsement for a coffee variety that is often overlooked in premium markets.

These achievements follow several years of market-readiness support under the UK Trade Partnerships Programme, implemented by the International Trade Centre. Through the initiative, Ugandan businesses have showcased their products at coffee festivals in London, Manchester and Madrid. They have also received guidance on regulations, labelling, packaging, distribution and buyer engagement. Therefore, the awards represent more than medals. They provide indeendent proof that Ugandan specialty coffee can compete on quality, flavour and commercial readiness.

Four Ugandan Specialty Coffee Brands Earn Stars

Mwanyi Terimba Limited led the Ugandan winners with a three-star award for Kaawa Mpologoma Robusta. Great Taste describes three-star products as “exquisite”, while fewer than 2% of entries normally achieve this level. Therefore, the recognition represents an important milestone for the company and Uganda’s growing fine Robusta segment.

In addition, The Edge Trading Company received two stars for Shamba Coffee. A two-star rating identifies a product as outstanding, with approximately 10% of Great Taste entries reaching this level. As a result, the award strengthens the product’s positioning among international buyers searching for distinctive African coffee.

Dream Coffee Uganda earned one star for Sironko’s Sunrise, a roasted coffee linked to Uganda’s eastern coffee-growing region. The company said the recognition followed a period of learning, roasting development and mentorship from coffee experts in Uganda and the United Kingdom.

Similarly, Rugyeyo Farm received one star for its Fermented Robusta Coffee. Judges noted the interesting, perfumed character created through the fermentation process. Together, the four winners were selected from a group of 11 Ugandan producers supported to enter the awards.

Trade Support Prepares Producers for Europe

The awards build on practical market-access work led by the International Trade Centre through the UK Trade Partnerships Programme. Rather than focusing only on exhibitions, the programme has helped producers understand what is required to sell Ugandan specialty coffee successfully in the UK and Europe.

For example, participating businesses have learned about food regulations, product labelling, packaging and international buyer expectations. Moreover, they have worked to develop relationships with roasters, distributors, retailers and other potential trading partners.

Ugandan producers have also presented their coffee at the London Coffee Festival, Manchester Coffee Festival and CoffeeFest Madrid. In 2024, the programme supported six Ugandan coffee companies to participate in the London festival, where they showcased their products and connected with international buyers.

Consequently, the businesses are not entering European markets without preparation. Instead, they are combining quality coffee with stronger branding, regulatory knowledge and clearer routes to market.

Awards Strengthen Uganda’s Coffee Reputation

Independent awards can help new brands gain trust among buyers and consumers. Great Taste products are assessed through blind tasting, meaning judges do not see the producer’s identity or previous awards. Taste remains the main consideration, although aroma, appearance, texture and ingredient quality are also evaluated.

Furthermore, the recognition supports Uganda’s effort to move beyond its traditional image as mainly an exporter of bulk green coffee. It highlights the country’s ability to develop traceable, branded and value-added products with distinctive flavour profiles.

The three-star result for Kaawa Mpologoma is especially significant. Although Robusta is widely used in commercial blends, it has often received less attention than Arabica in specialty markets. Therefore, positive international feedback could help challenge existing perceptions and attract new interest in Uganda’s Robusta heritage.

New Opportunities for Ugandan Coffee Exporters

The four award-winning businesses are now better positioned to approach importers, specialist retailers, roasters, cafés and hospitality buyers. However, converting recognition into long-term trade will require consistent quality, reliable supply and sustained relationships with international partners.

Nevertheless, the awards demonstrate what is possible when production quality is combined with market knowledge, value addition and international exposure. Ultimately, Ugandan specialty coffee is building a stronger identity in Europe, one cup, one buyer and one award at a time.

Disclaimer

Africa Agricultural Network (AAN) is committed to informing and empowering agricultural communities across Africa as per our mandate. This article is intended for informational purposes only. Award results, product details and business information were obtained from publicly available sources. Readers, buyers and potential partners are advised to verify all product, certification, supply and trade details directly with the featured coffee producers, the International Trade Centre and relevant award organisers before making commercial decisions.