(3 minutes read)
· Uganda is the second largest producer of coffee in the African continent. But the irony had it that most of the people are tea drinkers in the country
· If one looks at the increasing number of coffee bars proliferating in Kampala, one cannot discount the possibility of that trend spreading across the country
Uganda is the second largest producer of coffee in the African continent. But the irony had it that most of the people are tea drinkers in the country. Is the trend changing? The new trend is bucking that traction. A good number of people, particularly in the young age group, are becoming coffee drinkers. Is it a new cultural trend to have cappuccino or espresso at cozy coffee bars and restaurants? If one looks at the increasing number of coffee bars proliferating in Kampala, one cannot discount the possibility of that trend spreading across the country.
Coffee is one of the major items of exports from the Eastern African country. Not only that, it has an impressive trail in terms of exports. Coffee exports increased by 17 percent, to 4.17 million (60 kg) bags between 2015 and 2018, according to the Uganda Coffee Development Authority. Another government report has shown that from May this year the value of coffee exports increased by 18 percent to US$ 416.2 million in the 2018-19 financial year.
Now the traditionally considered drink of the white men is becoming a vogue for the locals. A decade back, the coffee drinkers among the local people were only one percent of the population. Now, it has touched 6%, an appreciable increase and many feel that the trend would pick up momentum in the coming years based on the herd mindset demonstrated by the younger population to ape the best. That would also signal the growth of a strong domestic industry for coffee, which eluded this coffee producing nation so far.
