UCDA Arabica Grade Specifications: Mount Elgon Bugisu
| Grade | Screen Size | Bean Size (mm) | Defect Max | Moisture Max | Price (US c/kg) | Cup Profile |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bugisu AASpecialty | Screen 17+ | > 6.75mm | < 3% | 12.5% | 298.50 | Winey acidity, full body, dark chocolate, stone fruit. Scores 85+ |
| Bugisu APremium | Screen 15/16 | 5.95-6.75mm | < 5% | 12.5% | 285.20 | Balanced acidity, medium-full body, cocoa, citrus notes. Scores 82-85 |
| Bugisu BStandard | Screen 14+ | > 5.55mm | < 8% | 12.5% | 272.80 | Mild acidity, medium body, nutty, caramel. Good blender base |
| Bugisu PBPeaberry | Peaberry sort | Oval (single bean) | < 3% | 12.5% | 310.00 | Concentrated flavor, bright acidity, jammy sweetness. Specialty niche |
| WugarWashed Ungraded | Mixed (all sizes) | Mixed | < 12% | 12.5% | 265.00 | Consistent washed profile, mild body. Commercial blending grade |
| DrugarDry/Natural | Screen 14+ | > 5.55mm | < 15% | 13.0% | 258.50 | Fruity, fermented notes, heavy body. Natural process, earthy sweetness |
Bugisu Arabica Grade Price Spread -- 12 Months (US cents/kg)
What Makes Bugisu Arabica Special
High Altitude Growing
Bugisu Arabica grows at 1,300 to 2,300 meters above sea level on the slopes of Mount Elgon, one of East Africa's oldest volcanic massifs. The high altitude slows cherry maturation, increasing bean density and developing complex sugars that produce the characteristic winey acidity and full body Bugisu is known for.
Volcanic Soil
Mount Elgon's mineral-rich volcanic loam soils are exceptionally fertile. Rich in potassium, phosphorus, and trace minerals from ancient volcanic deposits, these soils impart distinctive flavor compounds found in no other Arabica growing region. The well-drained, deep soil structure promotes healthy root development across the 30,000+ smallholder farms on the mountain.
Washed Processing Tradition
Bugisu Arabica is almost exclusively wet-processed (fully washed) using mountain stream water from Mount Elgon's slopes. Cherries are pulped within 12 hours of picking, fermented for 24-48 hours in concrete tanks, washed in clean water channels, and sun-dried on raised African beds to 11-12% moisture. This meticulous processing produces the clean, bright cup profile that defines Bugisu quality.
Frequently Asked Questions About Bugisu Arabica
What is Bugisu Arabica coffee?
Bugisu Arabica is Uganda's premium Arabica coffee grown on the slopes of Mount Elgon in eastern Uganda at altitudes of 1,300 to 2,300 meters. It is named after the Bugisu sub-region and is known for its winey acidity, full body, and chocolate notes. Bugisu Arabica is wet-processed (washed) and graded into Bugisu AA, A, B, PB, Wugar, and Drugar categories based on screen size and cup quality under Uganda Coffee Development Authority (UCDA) standards.
How are Bugisu Arabica coffee prices determined?
Bugisu Arabica prices are determined by several factors: the ICE Arabica futures market (New York 'C' contract), the Uganda Coffee Development Authority (UCDA) weekly price setting, quality grade (AA commanding the highest premium), supply from the Mount Elgon harvest season (main crop October to February, fly crop April to June), global demand for specialty Arabica, and the USD/UGX exchange rate. Prices are quoted in US cents per kilogram at the Kampala export level.
What is the difference between Bugisu AA and Bugisu A coffee?
Bugisu AA is the top grade with the largest screen size (screen 17+, beans larger than 6.75mm), lowest defect count (under 3%), and highest cup score (typically 85+). Bugisu A passes screen 15/16 (beans 5.95 to 6.75mm) with under 5% defects. AA commands a premium of approximately 13 to 18 US cents/kg above Bugisu A and is the grade most sought after by specialty coffee buyers in Europe, North America, and Japan.
What is the Bugisu PB (Peaberry) grade?
Bugisu PB is the peaberry grade of Mount Elgon Arabica. Peaberries occur when only one seed develops inside the coffee cherry instead of the usual two, producing a small, oval-shaped bean. Peaberries are sorted out by density and shape during milling and typically represent 5 to 10 percent of a harvest. Bugisu PB commands the highest price of all six grades (up to 310 US cents/kg) because peaberries roast more evenly and are prized for their concentrated, bright flavor profile by specialty roasters in Japan, South Korea, and the United States.
What is the harvest season for Bugisu Arabica?
Bugisu Arabica has two harvest seasons on Mount Elgon due to the region's bimodal rainfall pattern. The main crop runs from October to February, producing approximately 70 percent of the annual harvest volume. The fly crop (secondary harvest) runs from April to June, yielding the remaining 30 percent. Peak availability for exporters is November to January for the main crop and May to June for the fly crop, when volumes are highest and quality is optimal.