UG1 (Ungraded 1)

• Definition: UG1 includes coffee beans that do not meet the specific criteria for the official grades such as AA, AB, or C. These beans are a mix of various sizes and qualities that do not conform to the stringent standards of the higher grades.

• Use: UG1 beans are often used in commercial blends or for instant coffee due to their variable quality and size.

UG2 (Ungraded M’buni)

• Definition: UG2, or “Ungraded M’buni,” refers to ungraded dry-processed coffee. M’buni is a Swahili term for coffee cherries that are dried whole rather than depulped before drying.

• Quality: These beans are generally of lower quality compared to wet-processed beans due to potential defects and uneven drying.

Importance of UG1 and UG2

While UG1 and UG2 are not considered premium grades, they are essential for the overall coffee supply chain. They provide a market for beans that might otherwise go unsold, supporting local farmers and contributing to the economic sustainability of the coffee industry.

UG1 and UG2 play a significant role in ensuring that all coffee beans produced in Kenya have a market, thereby supporting the livelihoods of farmers and maintaining the economic viability of the coffee sector.