Rift valley exports limited delivers fresh coffee, avocado, pineapples and cocoa to international markets which meets international quality standards. Partner with us to buy Africa’s finest harvest which has been nurtured by skilled smallholder farmers in Uganda.
Uganda’s avocado industry has seen significant growth, with a focus on the Hass variety due to its high oil content and strong global demand. Since August 2022, the government, through the National Agricultural Advisory Services (NAADS), has distributed over 600,000 Hass avocado seedlings, resulting in the establishment of approximately 3,901 acres of orchards.
In 2021, Uganda exported nearly 1,250 tonnes of av-ocados, marking a 167% increase from the previous year, with an export value of approximately $480,000 USD. Beyond fresh fruit exports, the country has invested in value-added products, including avocado oil. Five processing facilities process 63,000 tonnes of fresh avocados annually, producing about 2.5 million kilograms of crude avocado oil, contributing $11.5 million USD in foreign exchange earnings each year.
Secondary uses of avocados in Uganda include oil extraction for both culinary and cosmetic purposes, particularly using grade two fruits unsuitable for fresh export. This diversification, along with continued investment in Hass avocado cultivation, strengthens Uganda’s presence in the global avocado market.
Uganda’s cocoa industry has experienced substantial growth, with production rising from 14,000 metric tonnes in 2009 to over 40,000 metric tonnes in 2019, and projected to reach 45,000 metric tonnes by 2026. Cocoa has become the country’s fourth-largest export commodity, following coffee, tea, and fish. In 2023, Uganda’s cocoa and cocoa preparations exports were valued at approximately $141.41 million USD, with major export destinations including India, Malaysia, Netherlands, Italy, and Indonesia.
The Bundibugyo District remains the primary hub for cocoa cultivation, contributing nearly 70% of the country’s total production. To boost value ad-dition, a cocoa processing facility is being developed in the region, capable of processing up to 80% of Uganda’s cocoa output. The facility will focus on producing fermented beans, cocoa liquor, cocoa powder, and cocoa butter, increasing export value and supporting local farmers.
Uganda is also promoting sustainable cocoa farming through agroforestry practices, encouraging biodiversity and environmental conservation. This approach benefits thousands of farmers, improves soil health, and supports the country’s long-term agricultural sustainability while expanding Uganda’s global market presence.
Uganda is a leading producer of high-quality pine-apples, primarily grown in regions like Kayunga, Luwero, and Masaka due to fertile soils and favorable climates. In 2022, Uganda’s pineapple production reached approximately 14.05 million kilo-grams, a significant rise from 4.24 million kilograms in 2017. The country exported 13.68 million kilograms of fresh pineapples in 2023, valued at $3.83 million USD. Key export destinations include Kenya (80.9%), Rwanda (6.34%), and South Sudan (3.12%).
Uganda’s pineapples are known for their rich sweetness and large size, making them highly competitive in international markets. The majority of farms are smallholder operations using minimal chemicals, ensuring organic quality. Exports also include processed products like juice and dried slices. Uganda’s strategic location allows easy access to global markets through the Mombasa port in Kenya.
Uganda also produces excellent wet-processed Arabica Coffees marketed as ‘Wugar’ (Washed Uganda Arabica) or ‘Drugar’ (Dry Uganda Arabica) that are grown on mountains bordering the Democratic Republic of Congo, along the Uganda’s western border.
Bugisu is another typically winy, fruit-toned African coffee, usually a rougher version of Kenya but has excellent potential. The more demanded Bugisu is from the western slopes of Mount Elgon on the Kenya border.
Robusta coffee is indigenous to the country, and has been a part of Ugandan life for centuries. The variety of wild Robusta coffee still grows today in Uganda’s rain forests and is thought to be one of the rarest examples of naturally occurring coffee trees anywhere in the world.
Robusta in Uganda is grown at relatively high alti-tudes, some as high as 1,500 metres, making these coffees especially attractive for the fast growing espresso industry. The bulk of the Robusta is however used in the production of instant coffees and as inexpensive fillers for blends.
In July 2024, Uganda exported 821,593 60-kilo-gram bags of coffee, generating $210.48 million USD in revenue. Robusta accounted for 94% of total exports, averaging $4.27 per kilogram, while Arabica averaged $4.23 per kilogram. The leading export destinations were Italy (40.68%), Germany (15.75%), and Sudan (5.41%).
Over the twelve months from August 2023 to July 2024, Uganda’s total coffee exports reached 6.30 million bags, valued at $1.25 billion USD, reflecting a 7.94% increase in quantity and a 43.94% rise in value compared to the previous year. Uganda’s favorable climate, diverse coffee grades, and quality support its growing presence in the global coffee market.
As Rift Valley Exports Limited, sustainability isn’t just a practice—it’s our promise.
We partner with Ugandan smallholder farmers to bring you ethically grown, premium-quality coffee, avocados, pineapples, and cocoa, while protecting the environment and uplifting communities.
