AA
Screen 18
Largest bean size. Known for high quality, bright acidity, and premium auction prices. Most sought after for specialty export.
Typical use: Premium auction, specialty export
Kenya Coffee origin
Understanding Kenya Coffee Grades
A simple guide to how Kenyan coffee is classified and what each grade means.
What determines coffee grade in Kenya?
Grades are set using simple, measurable factors so farmers and buyers know what they are trading.
- Bean size (screen size)
Beans are sorted by size. Larger screens often mean higher grades.
- Bean weight and density
Heavier, denser beans are typically preferred for premium grades.
- Defects
Fewer defects (broken, discoloured, or damaged beans) mean better grade.
- Cup quality
Taste and aroma are assessed; this can influence value beyond size alone.
Grade and screen size at a glance
A quick reference for how grades relate to bean size.
| Grade | Screen size |
|---|---|
| AA | Screen 18 |
| AB | Screen 16–17 |
| PB (Peaberry) | Peaberry (round) |
| C | Smaller beans |
| E (Elephant) | Very large beans |
| TT | Light density |
| T | Small / light |
| MH / ML (Mbuni) | Dry-processed |
Grades explained
Short descriptions of each main grade to help farmers, buyers, and the public understand how coffee is classified.
AB
Screen 16–17
Standard bean size. Good quality and commonly traded at auction. A mix of screen 16 and 17 beans, widely used in blends.
Typical use: Auction, blending, export
PB (Peaberry)
Peaberry (round)
Small round beans formed when only one seed develops in the cherry. Often more concentrated flavour and popular with buyers.
Typical use: Auction, specialty, single-origin
C
Smaller beans
Smaller bean size. Used in blends and for local or regional markets. Good for value-focused buyers.
Typical use: Blending, local use
E (Elephant)
Very large beans
Very large beans, often from specific varieties or conditions. Less common; can command premium when quality is high.
Typical use: Specialty, niche markets
TT
Light density
Beans that float in grading (lighter, less dense). Separated from main grades. Often used in blends or lower-priced lines.
Typical use: Blending, secondary markets
T
Small / light
Small or light beans. Lower screen size and density. Typically used for blending or domestic use.
Typical use: Blending, local use
MH / ML (Mbuni)
Dry-processed
Mbuni is dry-processed (unwashed) Kenyan coffee. Different flavour profile and grading. MH/ML refer to size and quality within this category.
Typical use: Local consumption, some export
Coffee grading standards based on Kenyan industry guidelines from the Agriculture and Food Authority and Nairobi Coffee Exchange.
From Crop to Cup
Quality at every stage