Kenya Coffee School (KCS)

Module: International Coffee Trade, Export Logistics and Incoterms®

Programme Level: Professional Diploma / Executive Certificate

Duration: 2 Weeks (Intensive) or integrated into the 12-Week Professional Diploma

Module Code: KCS-ICTEL 401

Module Overview

This module equips learners with the knowledge and practical skills required to participate confidently in the global specialty coffee trade. Participants gain an understanding of international coffee markets, export procedures, trade documentation, logistics management, Incoterms®, trade finance, customs compliance, quality assurance, digital traceability, sustainability standards, and market access.

Graduates will be prepared to work with coffee cooperatives, exporters, importers, logistics companies, certification bodies, financial institutions, and international buyers.

Learning Outcomes

By the end of the module, learners will be able to:

Explain how the global coffee trade operates.
Understand coffee supply chains from farm to consumer.
Apply Incoterms® correctly in coffee contracts.
Prepare export documentation.
Understand international payment methods.
Manage export logistics.
Interpret shipping and freight quotations.
Understand marine cargo insurance.
Calculate export pricing.
Negotiate with international buyers.
Meet sustainability and traceability requirements.
Develop export market entry strategies.

Week One

Day 1 – Introduction to International Coffee Trade

Global coffee economy
Coffee-producing and consuming countries
Coffee value chains
Roles of exporters and importers
Specialty coffee market trends

Day 2 – Coffee Export Business

Coffee export licensing
Export procedures
Warehouse operations
Dry milling
Quality assurance
Coffee grading

Day 3 – International Trade Documentation

Preparation and interpretation of:

Commercial Invoice
Packing List
Bill of Lading (B/L)
Air Waybill (AWB)
Certificate of Origin
Phytosanitary Certificate
Quality Certificate
Insurance Certificate
Export Declaration
Customs documentation

Day 4 – Incoterms®

Detailed study of:

Practical exercises using coffee export scenarios.

Day 5 – Shipping & Freight Logistics

Containerization
Shipping lines
Freight forwarding
Inland logistics
Port operations
Marine insurance
Cold chain considerations
Air freight vs sea freight

Week Two

Day 1 – International Coffee Contracts

Coffee sales contracts
Contract clauses
Arbitration
Dispute resolution
Risk management

Day 2 – Trade Finance

Letters of Credit (LC)
Documentary Collections
Telegraphic Transfers (TT)
Open Account
Advance Payment
Export finance
Currency exchange
Foreign exchange risk management

Day 3 – Sustainability, Compliance and Digital Trade

Digital traceability
ESG principles
Climate compliance
Deforestation regulations
Food safety systems
Carbon footprint
Ethical sourcing
Good for Trade (G4T) Digital Traceability Standard (DTS)

Day 4 – International Coffee Markets

Understanding major destinations:

European Union
United States
Middle East
China
Japan
South Korea
Australia
Africa

Topics include:

Consumer trends
Market access
Buyer requirements
Pricing strategies

Day 5 – Export Simulation Project

Learners work in teams to:

Source coffee
Grade coffee
Prepare export documents
Price an export contract
Select Incoterms®
Arrange logistics
Present an export proposal to a buyer panel

Practical Sessions

Participants will:

Complete export documentation.
Calculate FOB and CIF prices.
Compare freight quotations.
Analyse coffee export contracts.
Simulate customs clearance.
Develop export marketing plans.
Prepare buyer presentations.

Assessment

Practical assignments – 30%
Export documentation portfolio – 20%
Trade simulation project – 30%
Final examination – 20%

Career Opportunities

Graduates may work as:

Coffee Export Officer
Export Documentation Specialist
Coffee Trader
Green Coffee Buyer
Logistics Coordinator
Supply Chain Manager
Trade Compliance Officer
Coffee Cooperative Manager
Sustainability & Traceability Officer
International Business Development Officer
Quality Assurance Manager
Freight & Shipping Coordinator
Coffee Entrepreneur
Coffee Import & Export Consultant

Recommended Industry Visits

Coffee mills
Warehousing facilities
Export companies
Freight forwarding companies
Shipping agents
Customs offices
Ports and inland container depots
Coffee auctions
Specialty coffee roasteries

Professional Software and Digital Tools

Learners will gain exposure to:

Export documentation systems
Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) platforms
Digital traceability systems
Geographic Information Systems (GIS)
Logistics and shipment tracking platforms
Coffee quality management software
Blockchain-enabled traceability solutions

Kenya Coffee School Vision

Kenya Coffee School is committed to producing globally competent coffee professionals who understand not only how to produce exceptional specialty coffee but also how to trade, market, finance, transport, and position African coffee competitively in international markets.

Through practical, industry-led training, the school empowers learners to build resilient coffee businesses, strengthen value addition at origin, and contribute to Africa’s leadership in the global coffee economy.

“From Farm to Global Markets—Building Africa’s Next Generation of Coffee Trade Leaders.”

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On July 10, 2026