Top Coffee Producing Countries

Ethiopia produces large volumes of coffee beans every year, with 384,000 metric tons in 2016 alone. Ethiopia is the geographic home of Arabica coffee, the most popular beans worldwide. It is no small part of their economy – over 28% of Ethiopia’s yearly exports are a result of coffee – and it is estimated that 15 million citizens are employed in coffee production. While Uganda may not come to mind when you think of coffee production, it is the Central African nation’s top-earning export with 288,000 metric tons produced in 2016. It has moved past Mexico in 2015 to become the world’s 8th largest producer of coffee. The nation grows both Robusta beans – a crop native to the Kibale forest area – as well as Arabica beans from nearby Ethiopia.

List of countries by coffee production

This African country is often regarded as the birthplace of coffee, its rich tradition of coffee cultivation dating back centuries. Ethiopia is famous for its wide range of coffee varieties, many of which are grown in the highlands of regions like Sidamo, Yirgacheffe, and Harrar. Ethiopian coffee is prized for its complex flavor profiles, often featuring fruity and floral notes with bright acidity. Coffee plays a vital role in the culture and economy of Ethiopia, with smallholder farmers making up the majority of producers. The country’s deep connection to coffee is also reflected in the traditional Ethiopian coffee ceremony, a social and cultural ritual that celebrates the role of coffee in everyday life. Robusta beans are indigenous to Uganda and primarily grow in the Lake Victoria area.

1. This is due to the fact that many regions in Brazil have a climate that perfectly caters to farming coffee beans.
2. In this article, we will be unveiling the top 10 coffee-producing countries and how each bean is unique to them.
3. Each country has a rich history and connection that goes back centuries with coffee.
4. Robusta is named after its robust properties and resistance to spoilage which makes it ideal for use in instant coffees.

Leading Coffee Production Nations

Who are the top coffee growers around the world, and how much do they make on average? In this article, we will be unveiling the top 10 coffee-producing countries and how each bean is unique to them. Ethiopia is the birthplace of coffee, with regions like Sidamo and Yirgacheffe offering diverse flavor profiles and rich cultural heritage. Coffee production was introduced to Indonesia by Dutch colonists and production continued on after colonization as Indonesia’s climate is well suited for the plant. Coffee plantations currently cover over 1 million hectares of Indonesia’s territory, with over 90% of the cropland being worked by small-scale producers. As the aroma of a freshly brewed cup of coffee fills the air, one can’t help but ponder where this invigorating beverage begins its journey.

Mexico

Since its temperature and elevation facilitate the extensive growth of the resilient Robusta coffee variety, this country has historically focused on Robusta coffee mass production. A whopping 1.6 million metric tons of coffee are exported from Vietnam each year making it the second-largest coffee producer and the first in terms of Robusta production. Arabica is the most widely consumed form of coffee beans accounting for between 60 to 70 percent of global coffee production. Arabica is known for its fine, mild aromatic properties and is generally considered a higher-quality coffee bean compared to Robusta coffee. Costa Rica has a rich history steeped in coffee farming and production, which is also essential to their economy. Mostly growing and harvesting Arabica beans, Costa Rican coffee is dependable for its overall good quality.

It was traditionally second to Brazil for coffee production but has moved to third due to the rapidly expanding production of Vietnam. Even with the effect of climate, it has an output of 810,000 metric largest producer of coffee in the world tons of coffee beans in 2016, Colombia remains a key player in the international coffee game. Honduras produced 348,000 metric tons of coffee in 2016, almost matching its peak crop from 2011’s crop of 354,180 kilos.

For instance, close to 100 nations produce coffee, but most of the world’s output comes from the top 5 producers, which themselves are spread far and wide across the continents. In accordance with data provided by the International Coffee Organization, there were, in fact, close to 170 million bags of coffee produced globally in 2020. Smallholder farmers play a vital role in coffee production globally, contributing to both quality and sustainability across the industry. Guatemala’s coffee, grown in regions like Antigua and Huehuetenango, is celebrated for its balanced acidity and complex flavor profiles. Combined, these five countries account for nearly 75 percent of the world’s coffee production.

1. Coffee beans are most abundant in Guatemala in years where the temperature hovers between 16 and 32°C, and at altitudes between 500 and 5,000 metres above sea level.
2. According to the British Coffee Association, as many as two million cups of coffee are consumed by people each day.
3. As the world wakes up to the aroma of freshly brewed coffee each day, it’s the tireless work of coffee producers across the globe that ensures our favorite beverage is readily available.
4. Brazil has been the world’s leading coffee producer for over 150 years, producing an average of 2.68 million metric tons yearly.
5. The taste of Mexican coffee stands out for its subtle flavors and for generally being mild with lighter bodies.
6. Despite challenges, they continue to grow and succeed, showing the commitment of farmers and communities behind each cup.

Brazil is the kingpin of production in comparison to other coffee producing countries. By the conclusion of 2020, the ten largest producing nations of coffee in the world held the overwhelming majority of the market share, at 87%. Considering that it is the third most consumed daily beverage, sitting behind only water and tea, the demand for coffee beans soars almost everywhere. Coffee is a drink chosen by many to start their mornings, accompany their conversations, or to enjoy at the end of a busy week. But understanding why there are so many different types of coffee and where it comes from is at the heart of every bean’s unique flavour.

Colombia: The Arabica Specialist

The top producing nations each produce millions of kilograms of coffee beans that find their way into the hands of eager consumers. Brazil is the world’s largest producer of coffee, producing about one-third (3.7 million tonnes) of global production. The South American country’s vast and diverse landscape provides an ideal environment for coffee cultivation allowing it to grow both Arabica and Robusta coffee varieties. Indonesia is one of many Asian countries that produce an impressively vast amount of coffee on an annual basis. In fact, the country is home to about one-and-a-half million farmers who operate coffee farms and production companies of their own.

Although they may resemble beans, “coffee beans” are actually the seeds of the coffee fruit which are found in pairs inside a red coffee cherry. One study predicts that the global coffee market will expand at a CAGR of over 2.52% and hit US$28.8 billion by 2027. The major coffee producers, according to the United States Department of Agriculture are as follows (the table shows data in thousand 60-kilogram bags). The production of coffee has played a pivotal role in the development of Brazil and continues to be a driving force in the country’s economy. With the rise in popularity of coffee among Europeans, Brazil became the world’s largest producer in the 1840s and has been ever since.

Coffee production, primarily in tropical regions, is a significant economic sector for many countries. Coffee thrives in warmer climates, so anywhere that is too far north or south will not be ideal or suitable to grow coffee. Coffee export and import are most common in Africa, Asia, South America, and North America, with the exception of Canada.

Honduras has outpaced other countries to become Central America’s top coffee producer. However, the coffee produced in Honduras still suffers from a lack of national branding. While most people recognize Colombian or Ethiopian coffee, beans from Honduras are mainly used in blends and are therefore less recognizable to the average consumer. However, coffee remains a vital part of the Honduran economy, and the coffee industry continually provides employment and revenue for a large part of the population. Not everywhere in India is fit for coffee bean growth – the majority of the growing is done in the hilly tracts of the southern part of the country.