Kenya → Switzerland
Specialty green coffee
Kenyan coffee still sells above the market, but its premium has narrowed sharply as world prices rose. From 30 December 2026, EU importers need deforestation-free proof with plot geolocation.
- 1.10×Kenya's value per kg against the EU import average in 2025, down from 2.07× in 2021Source
- 32,708 tEU imports of green coffee from Kenya in 2025Source
- 30 Dec 2026EUDR obligations begin for large and medium operatorsSource
What buyers usually ask for
- Pre-shipment samples and cup scores
- Grade, screen size, crop year and processing method
- Moisture content
- Certifications where needed (Fairtrade, Rainforest Alliance, organic)
- EUDR due-diligence data: geolocation of the plots where the coffee was grown
Documents typically requested per shipment
- Commercial invoice and packing list
- Certificate of origin
- EUDR due-diligence information for EU placements
Market signals
- EU imports from Kenya in January–July 2026 were 28% lower than in the same months of 2025, at a stable €6.70 per kg. Source
- The ICO composite indicator averaged 262.18 US cents per pound in September 2026, down 8.7% on August. Source
- Against Ethiopia, another washed-arabica origin, Kenya's lead fell from 1.43× in 2021 to 1.06× in 2025. Source
Rules to watch
- Coffee is covered by the EU deforestation regulation (EUDR). Some smaller operators have until 30 June 2027. Source
- Switzerland is not bound by the EUDR, but Swiss traders who sell into the EU will be asked for the same data. Source
- Coffee from Kenya is not on the EU list of increased border checks. Source
If you supply specialty green coffee
- Start collecting plot geolocation now, cooperative by cooperative
- Send cupping samples with full lot data
- Build the record that justifies a premium: cup score, traceability and EUDR file together
A Trust Passport records each of these with its evidence level, so buyers see what is checked and what is not.
Sources
- Eurostat Comext, dataset DS-045409 (EU trade by CN8), extracted 12 Oct 2026
- EU Access2Markets: EUDR delay until December 2026 (28 Jan 2026)
- International Coffee Organization, Coffee Market Report, September 2026
- Swiss Federal Food Safety and Veterinary Office (FSVO)
- Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2026/1206 amending Regulation (EU) 2019/1793
Figures as of 12 October 2026. Value per kilogram is customs value divided by net mass, a price signal rather than a transaction price. This page is market information, not legal advice; check requirements with the competent authority before shipping.
Buying or selling specialty green coffee?
Buyers get a checked shortlist with every gap shown. Suppliers get one Trust Passport for every buyer.