23/02/2023
PACEID is hosting a cluster of international journalists specializing in coffee, fruit & vegetables, and business trade magazines in the UK and the US.
This effort is aimed at improving trade and most important exports of Uganda. They are Jamila Versi of African Business, Virignia Van Zandt from Zenger News/Forbes US, Maria Goncalves from The Grocer, Scott Bentley of Caffeine Magazine, Vanessa Facenda from Tea & Coffee Journal, Howard Bryan with Roast Magazine and Fred Searle from FruitNet/ Eurofresh.The group has visited a few parts the country including Kayunga, Mbale, Kapchorwa, Bulambuli and Buikwe among others and interacted with individuals and groups specializing in their preferred fields.
The journalists specializing in coffee were on day one hosted by Mr. Nangoli Martin, CEO Kikobero Coffee Company in Bulambuli on the ranges of Mt. Elgon.
He shared his, & the community's history with coffee before explaining to them the different steps involved right from harvesting the berries to pulping, fermentation, drying, roasting grinding & grading among others till packaging.
Kikobero undertakes community & conservation projects in the Mt. Elgon area esp in value addition by producing quality coffee.
On day two, the journalists visited a Women-led coffee growing community in Kapchorwa under the stewardship of seasoned coffee farmer, processor & exporter, Mr. Kenneth Barigye, CEO of Mountain Harvest Coffee.
In Kayunga and Buikwe, the journalist specializing in fruit & vegetables visited Zahra Food Industries Limited farm to witness jackfruit harvesting & others.