/ 30 March 2000

ENYAN COFFEE PRICES FIRM

PRICES of Kenya’s coffee generally firmed at this week’s auction as overseas demand remained firm, traders said. Auction results released on Thursday show the price of finer qualities shot up significantly. PB grade rose to $115-$129 per bag compared to $62-$119 last week. AA grade was sold at $127-$186 versus $112-$185 last week. Kenya’s coffee prices have been on an upward trend in recent months buoyed by buying interest from overseas roasters and talk leading world producers have been planning to retain some of their coffee to shore up prices.