A new price record for coffee from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) was established at the 2026 Best of Congo Cooperatives Competition. The auction's top-scoring lot, an experimental anaerobic coffee, was sold for US$55.50 per kilogram after attracting bids from 64 international participants.
The record-setting micro-lot, named "Izuba," was produced by the Yetu Qahwah cooperative and is reportedly the first anaerobic processed coffee to come from the DRC. The auction, which saw every available lot sold to buyers across three continents, was organized by a collaboration including African Coffee Connect and CongoAgri Platform.
The final price, secured by UK-based roaster Pact Coffee, highlights the growing market demand and premium valuation for unique lots and innovative processing from developing origins. This result serves as a significant benchmark for Congolese specialty coffee and may encourage further investment in quality and experimental methods within the country.