The 45th edition of SIGEP Expo-Rimini proved to be a remarkable success, reaffirming its status as one of the world’s leading coffee and food industry events. With visitors from 160 countries, the event showcased innovation, craftsmanship, sustainability, and global collaboration—a melting pot where territorial identities met international trends.
Seizing this opportunity was the ARABIKA project banner, which brought together seven Kenyan coffee cooperatives to participate and bring out the best of Kenyan coffee to a global audience. These cooperatives include:
- New Kyeni FCS (Embu)
- Nyaki & Tigania North FCSs (Meru)
- Chesiro FCS (Bungoma)
- Gitwe FCS (Kiambu)
- Gathaithi FCS (Nyeri)
- Kaliluni FCS (Machakos)
A Global Stage for Kenyan Coffee
Held in the vibrant city of Rimini, Italy—a place known for fostering business innovation—SIGEP provided an extraordinary space for producers, traders, and industry experts to network and explore emerging opportunities in the coffee value chain.
The event featured key attractions such as:
- A Coffee Arena
- A Micro-Roastery Village
- A Fully Automated Bean-to-Bar Experience
Members of the ARABIKA Cooperative were prominently housed in the Sustainability District, alongside other coffee producers from Latin America and Africa. This strategic placement allowed Kenyan farmers to showcase their high-quality coffee and engage with international buyers through live coffee tastings and direct networking opportunities.
Strengthening Kenya’s Position in Global Coffee Markets
SIGEP World 2025 was packed with engaging activities and events designed to highlight the exceptional qualities of Kenyan coffee. The event featured a public presentation involving the coffee farmers themselves, where hundreds of coffee buyers and enthusiasts explored Kenya’s unique flavors and profiles, further strengthening the country’s position in the international market.
Learning from Italian Coffee Experts
One of the key highlights was a visit to the ESSSE COFFEE roasting facility in Bologna. Here, the Kenyan delegation had the rare opportunity to gain firsthand experience with:
- Italian coffee processing technologies
- Operational standards
- Market trends
This visit served as a valuable learning experience, exposing Kenyan coffee farmers to the intricacies of global coffee production and distribution.
A Step Towards a Bigger Global Footprint
The participation of Kenyan ARABIKA-affiliated cooperatives in SIGEP World 2025 signifies a crucial step toward expanding the country’s coffee footprint in the global market.
Through exposure to advanced coffee technologies, meaningful networking, and direct buyer engagements, Kenyan coffee producers continue to:
- Elevate their brands
- Establish lasting trade relationships worldwide
This Is Taking Kenyan Coffee Global! ☕
By: Andrea Moraa – Local Branding Expert, ARABIKA Project
Editor: Gideon Gachoki – Communication Department
