Rwandan coffee continues to attract international recognition, with six varieties winning awards at the 2026 ASEAN Coffee Excellence Awards (ACEA), further strengthening the country's reputation as a producer of high-quality specialty coffee.

Of the 10 coffee varieties Rwanda presented at the competition, six received international recognition, including three Platinum awards and three Gold awards.

The Platinum awards, the highest category in the competition, went to coffees that scored 90 per cent or above, while Gold awards recognised those scoring between 80 and 89 per cent.

Beyond the number of awards, the achievement highlights the growing competitiveness of Rwanda's coffee industry and the efforts being made to position locally produced coffee among the world's finest specialty coffees.

Claude Bizimana, Chief Executive Officer of the National Agricultural Export Development Board (NAEB), said the recognition reflects the commitment of farmers, cooperatives, processors and exporters to improving the quality of Rwandan coffee.

He noted that the awards demonstrate the country's potential in international markets while encouraging stakeholders to continue investing in quality.

The latest achievement comes at a time when Rwandan coffee is also making headlines for its rising market value.

On October 21, 2026, one kilogramme of Rwandan coffee fetched FRW 670,000 at an international auction, setting a new record for the highest price recorded at the event.

Coffee remains one of Rwanda's important agricultural exports, contributing to foreign exchange earnings and supporting livelihoods across the value chain.

As Rwanda continues to invest in production, processing and quality improvement, these international awards offer another indication that its coffee industry is gaining recognition beyond traditional markets.

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