BY FIONA MOTSA
MBABANE- Eswatini is fast becoming a growing market for fine coffee as it was recently spotted among many coffees showcased at the World Coffee in Dubai.
The World Coffee Dubai is a promising space for African Coffee and was supported by the European Union which connects Eswatini with the growing specialty of coffee markets.
Eswatini Coffee Patrick Du Pont mentioned that the power in the coffee industry is quantity.
“I have learned that power in coffee is quantity. If you want to supply the world, you must have good quality coffee and also be in the capacity to produce at a large scale,” said Du Pont.
Du Pont further mentioned that coffee farmers must unite.
“Eswatini coffee farmers must unite or collaborate for coffee production so that it is sustainable and has a larger audience,” said Du Pont.
According to International Trade Centre (ITC), 10 participants were selected from four African countries from across its Alliances for Action sustainable agribusiness projects to take part in the event.
ITC’s Alliances for Action partners exhibited at World of Coffee Dubai 2023 to build commercial spaces for its global coffee network.
These countries included Eswatini, Ghana, and five Ethiopian coffee farmer cooperatives: Bench Maji, Limu Inara, Oromia, Torban Anfillo, and Yirgacheffe Coffee Farmer Cooperative Unions.
The EU supports job creation for small farmers, entrepreneurs, and artisans. Eswatini offers the global market unique organic produce, artisan roasted coffee, handmade cultural creations, and gourmet condiment lines. ITC works closely with smallholder farmers, agro-processors, and artisans in Eswatini to support them in ways that are sustainable and benefit both people and the planet.
The event was buzzing with activity as the cupping sessions and business meetings allowed African and Latin American producers to connect with potential buyers and others in the industry.
