Best of Yemen Auction 2024 Breaks Record for Yemeni Coffee
The Best of Yemen Auction 2024 has set a remarkable new standard for Yemeni coffee, with prices reaching a historic high of $1,159 per kilogram. This achievement showcases not only the exceptional quality of Yemeni coffee but also the growing impact of Yemen’s female coffee farmers, who played a key role in this year’s success.
A significant milestone was achieved this year, with 36% of the lots cultivated by women and the introduction of honey-processed coffees that highlight innovation in Yemen’s coffee industry. The auction celebrated the resilience of Yemen’s coffee growers and their adaptability to harsh environmental conditions, proving that coffee can indeed thrive even in challenging climates.
Despite Yemen receiving only 244 to 379 millimeters of rainfall annually – much lower than the global average of 1,400 millimeters for coffee-growing regions – Yemeni coffee stands out for its unique quality. This resilience makes Yemeni coffee a potential key player in ensuring coffee sustainability in the face of climate change.
This year, 13 out of 36 lots in the auction were produced by Yemeni women farmers, marking a historic moment for female empowerment in the sector. The top lot, which fetched a record-breaking price of $1,159 per kilogram, came from a women’s farming group based in Al Hayma Al Dakhiliya, Sanaa. This achievement underscores the increasing recognition of the vital role that Yemeni women play in the coffee community.
“I feel an overwhelming sense of joy,” shared Katibah, a farmer from Hayme Dakhliya. “I never imagined our coffee would be recognized and appreciated beyond Yemen, let alone fetch such a high price.”
The auction also saw the involvement of Middle Eastern buyers, with ORO Roasters from Saudi Arabia placing the winning bid for the highest-scoring lot, which received over 90 points. The average price across all lots was $369 per kilogram, indicating growing global interest in Yemeni coffee.
For the first time, honey-processed coffees were featured in the auction. This method, which does not require water usage and incorporates carbonic maceration, is perfectly suited to Yemen’s limited water resources and adds a distinct dimension to the coffee’s flavor profiles.
“These achievements reflect the dedication of Yemen’s coffee farmers, who continue to produce exceptional coffee despite the challenges they face,” said Faris Sheibani, Founder of Qima Coffee. “Yemen has always been a pioneer in the coffee world, and this auction reaffirms its place as a leader on the global stage.”
The Best of Yemen Auction 2024 was organized by Qima Coffee in collaboration with the Alliance for Coffee Excellence (ACE). This annual auction aims to highlight the unique qualities of Yemeni coffee and support the livelihoods of local farmers by connecting them with global buyers. The event has become a key platform for showcasing Yemen’s diverse coffee varieties, ranging from naturally processed to honey-processed beans, each offering distinctive flavor profiles that are gaining international acclaim.
In addition to breaking price records, the auction has contributed significantly to raising awareness about the challenges faced by Yemeni coffee farmers, including limited access to resources, political instability, and climate change. By spotlighting these issues, the auction aims to garner support for initiatives that improve the livelihoods of farmers and promote sustainable coffee production practices in Yemen.
The auction featured 36 lots in total, each carefully evaluated by an international panel of coffee experts. The top-scoring lot, produced by the women’s farming group in Al Hayma Al Dakhiliya, was praised for its complex flavor notes, which included hints of tropical fruit, floral undertones, and a rich, syrupy body. Such high-quality coffee has not only placed Yemen on the global coffee map but has also provided a source of pride and inspiration for the local farming communities.
With increasing interest from international buyers, the Best of Yemen Auction continues to play a crucial role in reviving Yemen’s coffee industry and ensuring that Yemeni coffee farmers receive fair compensation for their efforts. The involvement of Middle Eastern roasters, such as ORO Roasters, underscores the growing appreciation for Yemeni coffee within the region and highlights the potential for further market expansion.
Looking ahead, Qima Coffee and ACE are committed to expanding the reach of the Best of Yemen Auction and exploring new opportunities to support Yemen’s coffee-growing communities. By promoting transparency, sustainability, and gender equality, the auction is setting a new benchmark for what the global coffee industry can achieve.
