The International Coffee Organisation (ICO) had its monthly average composite price indicator rose by 7.1% to 99.97 US cents per half a kilogram (kg) in June 2019, which is the first price increase in the monthly average since January 2019. Local farmers are sure that the development means that their coffee will bought at a higher price.

ICO reported that in May 2019, world coffee exports rose by 19.4% to 11.6 million bags compared to May 2018 while exports in the first eight months of coffee year 2018/19 rose by 7.5% to 86.57 million bags. The news follows an observation that Malawi remains a small player in the coffee exports industry as reports the country’s inadequate supply to meet growing demands and the need for additional capital.

At the end of 2018, it was noted that coffee farmers lost hope as it was reported that they had sold coffee to buyers but where not paid. It was also a let down that the coffee buyers had dropped their prices. These discouraging factors may be the reason why Malawi coffee is underperforming. The price increase of the crop will definitely boost production and profits, as farmers are being told to diversify, especially moving on from the cash crops.