We dive into the world of coffee production and unveil the top 21 countries that dominate the global coffee scene.
From the lush plantations of South America to the rich cultural heritage of Africa and beyond, join us as we explore the origins of your favorite cup of joe.
Get ready to embark on a caffeinated journey and discover the nations that play a crucial role in satisfying our coffee cravings.
1. Brazil
Brazil stands tall as the world’s largest coffee producer, commanding a staggering one-third of the global market.
With sprawling coffee plantations encompassing approximately 27,000 square kilometers, the southeastern states of Minas Gerais, São Paulo, and Paraná serve as Brazil’s coffee epicenter.
The economic significance of coffee production in Brazil cannot be understated, shaping the country’s development and fueling its thriving economy.
Notably, Brazil’s dry coffee production method and the revered Bourbon Santos variety contribute to its esteemed position in the coffee world.
While domestic consumption leans towards in-house consumption, a growing trend of specialty coffees resonates with discerning urban coffee enthusiasts, bolstering Brazil’s expanding coffee market.
2. Vietnam
Following closely behind Brazil, Vietnam secures its place as the second-largest coffee producer globally and boasts the largest robusta-growing origin.
Coffee has been a vital economic driver for Vietnam since the early 20th century, permeating its societal fabric.
The country’s fertile farmlands house expansive coffee farms spanning over 600,000 hectares, yielding an impressive 30.7 million 60kg bags of green coffee annually.
While both robusta and arabica coffee varieties flourish in Vietnam, robusta dominates the production landscape, accounting for 97% of the total output.
Notably, Vietnam’s reputation for quality coffee is on the rise, with emerging excitement among industry professionals as arabica production gains traction.
Although the coffee industry has faced its share of volatility since the 1980s, coffee exports consistently contribute significantly to Vietnam’s agricultural sector, underpinning economic growth.
3. Colombia
As the third-largest coffee-producing country, Colombia has cemented its reputation for producing mild and harmonious coffee beans, particularly the esteemed arabica variety.
Colombia’s annual coffee production of 11.5 million bags ranks it among the world’s top producers, with arabica beans at the forefront.
Colombian coffee finds its way to diverse destinations, including the United States, Germany, France, Japan, and Italy.
The country’s coffee journey traces back to the 1700s when Jesuit priests introduced coffee to Colombia alongside Spanish settlers.
Notably, the creation of the Federación Nacional de Cafeteros de Colombia (National Federation of Coffee Growers of Colombia) in 1927 propelled the coffee industry’s dynamic growth from 1905 to 1935.
Colombia owes its coffee success to robust infrastructure for rural farmers, viral advertising campaigns, and an early foothold in regional coffee exports.
Continuous investment in production practices further emphasizes Colombia’s commitment to maintaining quality and excellence.
4. Indonesia
Indonesia, recognized for its distinct coffee taste, sustainable practices, and specialty coffees, holds a significant position in the global coffee industry.
Dutch colonizers introduced coffee cultivation to Indonesia in the 17th century, transforming it into one of the world’s largest producers by the early 19th century.
Presently, Indonesia ranks as the fourth-largest coffee producer globally, generating approximately 660,000 metric tons annually.
While robusta coffee comprises the majority of its production, Indonesia garners acclaim for its specialty coffees, such as the renowned ‘kopi luwak’ and ‘kopi Mandailing.’
Geographically and climatically favorable conditions, coupled with interior mountainous regions and proximity to the equator, create optimal microclimates for coffee cultivation.
Indonesia’s commitment to unique flavors and sustainable practices solidifies its place on the global coffee stage.
5. Ethiopia
Ethiopia proudly holds the title of the birthplace of coffee, boasting a centuries-old tradition of coffee production.
The country is the origin of Coffea arabica, the cherished coffee plant species.
With a rich assortment of coffee varieties, each offering a distinctive flavor profile, coffee holds immense economic importance in Ethiopia.
An estimated 15 million people, equivalent to 16% of the population, rely on coffee production in some capacity for their livelihood.
Coffee plays a pivotal role in Ethiopia’s economy, contributing around 35% of total exports and generating approximately 60% of revenue from abroad.
In the MY 2022/23, Ethiopia’s coffee production is forecasted to reach 8.25 million 60-kilogram bags, with exports projected to set a record at 4.72 million bags.
Notably, the majority of Ethiopian coffee originates from small farms where peasants hand-pick approximately 90% of the harvest, imbuing the coffee industry with a distinct sense of tradition and community.
6. Honduras
Located in Central America, Honduras has emerged as a formidable contender in the coffee industry.
Despite its small size, Honduras has made significant strides in coffee production, earning its place among the top ten coffee-producing countries globally.
More than 100,000 Honduran families cultivate coffee, often on small farms.
Thanks to government investments, Honduras has not only become a major producer of commodity coffee but has also made notable advancements in specialty coffee.
The country’s temperate and tropical climates lend themselves to producing mild, robust, and flavorful coffees.
With coffee grown in six distinct regions, each offering unique flavor profiles, Honduras showcases its diverse range of coffee offerings.
7. India
India ranks as the fifth-largest global producer of Robusta coffee.
The southern states of Karnataka, Kerala, and Tamil Nadu serve as the main hubs for coffee production in India.
Karnataka, in particular, takes the lead, accounting for approximately 70% of the country’s total coffee output.
Kerala follows with 23%, and Tamil Nadu contributes 6%.
The scenic hill tracts of these southern states, with Kodagu in Karnataka leading the way, are key coffee production areas, with Kodagu alone responsible for one-third of India’s coffee production.
Indian coffee distinguishes itself as shade-grown, renowned for its exceptional quality and flavors.
With an estimated 250,000 coffee growers, the majority of whom are small-scale producers, India’s coffee industry reflects the contributions of numerous dedicated individuals.
Although Indian coffee represents a relatively small portion of global production, it plays a significant role in the export market, with nearly 80% of Indian coffee finding its way to Germany, Russia, Spain, Belgium, Slovenia, the United States, the United Kingdom, Japan, Greece, the Netherlands, France, and Italy.
The export value of Indian coffee reached an impressive US$1.05 billion in 2022, with instant coffee constituting a noteworthy portion of the country’s coffee exports.
8. Uganda
Uganda, a landlocked country in East Africa, has established itself as a major player in the coffee industry, with coffee serving as its top-earning export crop.
Notably, Uganda is home to indigenous Robusta coffee, which grows abundantly in the vicinity of Lake Victoria.
With over three million people employed in coffee farms, Uganda’s coffee production relies on numerous small-scale farms spanning an average of six acres.
Robusta coffee dominates Uganda’s production, although Arabica is also cultivated in various highland regions.
The southwestern and western regions are notable for their production of both Robusta and Arabica.
Coffee accounts for an impressive 95% of Uganda’s exports, with approximately 300,000 smallholder farmers contributing to the country’s coffee sector.
As the second-largest coffee producer in Africa and the tenth globally, Uganda’s coffee industry remains a vital component of its economy.
9. Mexico
Mexico’s position as the ninth-largest coffee producer worldwide solidifies its presence in the global coffee market.
In 2023, Mexico produced 3.6 million 60kg bags of coffee beans, with an upward production trend anticipated through 2027.
The majority of coffee growers in Mexico operate on a small-scale basis, cultivating coffee on less than two hectares of land.
Notably, Mexico excels in the production of specialty coffee, characterized by smaller quantities and higher price points compared to larger coffee-producing countries like Brazil and Colombia.
Approximately 35% to 40% of Mexican coffee production carries certifications such as Fair Trade, Rainforest Alliance, and Organic, showcasing the country’s commitment to sustainable practices.
Mexico’s favorable geographic location near both the Pacific and Atlantic oceans provides ideal conditions for cultivating Arabica beans.
The country’s coffee market has experienced significant growth, and Mexico now stands as one of the largest cultivators of organic coffee globally.
Coffee-growing conditions vary across different regions of Mexico, with the southern regions, such as Soconusco in Chiapas near the Guatemala border, playing a prominent role in coffee production.
Mexican coffee beans often display tasting notes of a full body, rich chocolatey-cocoa flavors, and a pleasant toffee-like sweetness.
10. Guatemala
Renowned worldwide for its exceptional coffee quality, Guatemala stands as a coffee-producing country of distinction.
Guatemala holds the distinction of being the first country to establish a denomination of origin system, categorizing its eight producing regions.
Coffee cultivation for export purposes has been a part of Guatemala’s agricultural landscape since the 1850s, consistently ranking as the country’s second-most important agricultural export after sugar.
The coffee sector in Guatemala provides employment for over 125,000 Guatemalan families.
The country focuses predominantly on the cultivation and export of Arabica coffee, with Coffea Arabica accounting for over 90% of its coffee crops.
Guatemalan coffee beans are celebrated for their full-bodied profiles, rich chocolatey-cocoa flavors, and delightful toffee-like sweetness.
The country’s growing regions, including the Fraijanes Plateau, Antigua, Highland Huehuetenango, Rainforest Coban, Volcan San Marcos, Nuevo Oriente, and Atitlan, each offer their own unique characteristics.
Among them, Antigua stands out as a renowned Guatemalan coffee, cherished for its complex flavors and subtle cocoa undertones.
Guatemala’s dedication to quality has earned it a prominent place in the global coffee landscape.
11. Peru
Peru holds a prominent position among the top 20 coffee-producing countries worldwide, ranking fifth in Arabica exports.
With a history deeply rooted in coffee production, Peru has been recognized for its contribution to the industry for well over a century.
The country’s high altitudes, Pacific Ocean winds, and alternating periods of sunshine and rainfall create optimal growing conditions for Arabica coffee beans.
Peru’s commitment to environmental sustainability is globally renowned, with the country being a major producer of organic and fair trade coffee beans.
With ten distinct coffee-producing regions, including Chanchamayo, the Amazonas and San Martin regions, and the southern highlands, Peru boasts an array of unique cup profiles.
The coffee industry plays a crucial role in the country’s economy, supporting around 223,000 Peruvian families and ranking as the second-largest agricultural export by value in 2017.
12. Nicaragua
Nicaragua’s coffee production is intertwined with a rich and enduring history.
The cultivation of coffee began in the country as early as 1850, rapidly establishing coffee as its primary export for the next century.
Despite facing numerous environmental and political challenges, Nicaragua’s coffee industry has thrived through the resilience and dedication of its producers.
Coffee production holds immense economic and social importance, accounting for around half of all agricultural jobs in the country.
Nicaragua’s flavorful and balanced green coffee beans have gained recognition in the global coffee community.
Some Nicaraguan coffees boast citrusy and bright flavor notes, representing the country’s commitment to producing world-class coffee through micro-lots and family-run farms.
13. China
In recent years, China has experienced significant growth in its coffee production industry.
The introduction of coffee cultivation to the Yunnan province in 1988 marked the beginning of China’s coffee journey.
Although coffee was initially brought to the region by a French missionary in the late 19th century, its widespread cultivation gained momentum in the late 20th century.
Yunnan province remains the largest producer, accounting for 98% of China’s total coffee output, with regions such as Baoshan, Dehong, and Menglian in Pu’er contributing significantly.
While China’s coffee market is still developing compared to more established markets in Europe and the US, the demand for coffee products continues to rise year after year.
As the Chinese economy grows and cultural values evolve, coffee consumption rates in China increase at an impressive rate of 30% annually, fostering a burgeoning coffee culture.
14. Ivory Coast
Ivory Coast, also known as Côte d’Ivoire, holds a significant position as a coffee-producing country in Africa.
Robusta coffee is primarily grown in three main regions: Abboisso, Abengourou, and Divo, which benefit from elevations ranging between 300 and 400 meters above sea level.
While Ivory Coast was once the largest coffee producer in Africa during the 1970s and 1980s and one of the leading global Robusta producers, its production has declined over the years.
Currently ranking 14th globally, Ivory Coast has been surpassed by Vietnam and Brazil in coffee production.
Nonetheless, coffee remains an important export commodity, contributing significantly to the country’s economy and forming a substantial portion of its total exports.
15. Costa Rica
Costa Rica has gained a reputation for producing high-quality Arabica coffee beans.
Coffee production has played a pivotal role in the country’s history and continues to be economically significant.
The largest coffee-growing regions span the provinces of San José, Alajuela, Heredia, Puntarenas, and Cartago.
Costa Rican coffee is exported globally while also being enjoyed within the country itself.
Despite a shift in trends where some farmers have transitioned away from coffee cultivation, Costa Rica remains the world’s 15th largest coffee producer worldwide.
Coffee production in Costa Rica is primarily concentrated in the Central Valley, where the climate and altitude offer ideal growing conditions.
The volcanic soil in these areas, slightly acidic and incredibly fertile, enhances the coffee’s quality.
Costa Rica employs the honey process to prepare their coffee beans, a rare and increasingly popular method embraced by other coffee-producing countries.
16. Tanzania
As the fourth-largest coffee producer in Africa, Tanzania holds a significant place in the coffee industry.
Coffee production plays a crucial role in the country’s economy, serving as its largest export crop.
Annually, Tanzania produces an average of 30,000 to 40,000 metric tons of coffee, with Arabica accounting for around 70% and Robusta making up the remaining 30%.
Small farmers, rather than estates, contribute over 90% of Tanzania’s coffee output, providing employment to 40,000 families and directly impacting the lives of more than 2.4 million citizens.
The Moshi region of Kilimanjaro stands out as the primary hub for coffee production, earning acclaim for producing some of the finest Arabica coffee in Tanzania.
Tanzanian coffee finds its way to export destinations such as Japan, Italy, the United States, Germany, Belgium, Sweden, and Finland, where it is cherished for its unique characteristics.
17. Kenya
Renowned for its high-quality Arabica coffee, Kenya occupies a prominent position in the coffee-producing world.
Coffee cultivation in Kenya thrives in the high altitudes of Mt. Kenya, where the elevation and volcanic soil create optimal conditions for the growth of exceptional coffee beans.
The region’s pure rainfall and optimal sunlight contribute to the development of a deep, bright flavor in the coffee.
Approximately 70% of Kenya’s coffee is produced by small-scale holders, with an estimated 150,000 coffee farmers across the country.
Kenyan coffee is renowned for its intense flavor, full body, and pleasant aroma.
Often referred to as “Colombia mild” type coffee, Kenyan coffee exhibits distinct notes of cocoa.
Recognized as one of the finest coffees globally, high-grade coffee from Kenya is highly sought after by coffee enthusiasts around the world.
18. Papua New Guinea
Papua New Guinea, the second-largest agricultural exporter of coffee after oil palm, boasts a coffee industry that accounts for approximately 1% of the world’s production.
Coffee serves as Papua New Guinea’s highest foreign exchange earner and is primarily grown in the Eastern Highland Province, Western Highland Province, and Simbu.
Unlike a colonial plantation-based system, the coffee industry in Papua New Guinea predominantly consists of small farmers growing coffee alongside subsistence crops.
Coffee production largely occurs in the highlands, where approximately 70% of the population relies on subsistence farming. Although Papua New Guinea’s coffee industry is still developing, it presents opportunities for enterprising traders.
Major export destinations for Papua New Guinea’s coffee include Germany, the US, Australia, Japan, Belgium, and New Zealand.
With an estimated 87,000 hectares under coffee cultivation, the country exports around 787,000 bags of coffee, contributing $117 million to its economy.
19. Laos
Laos stands as a country producing both Robusta and Arabica coffee beans.
The Arabica beans cultivated in Laos offer a medium body and a delightful combination of mild citrus and floral tones.
Robusta coffee in Laos is grown at high altitudes of 1300 meters, setting it apart from other countries.
Approximately 95% of Laos’ coffee is harvested in the Bolaven Plateau.
Coffee holds significant importance to Laos’ economy and standard of living, with many farmers earning higher incomes through coffee production compared to common crops like soy, rice, and corn.
Despite its tumultuous history, Laos has the potential to become a specialty coffee producer due to its ideal growing conditions.
While a fledgling specialty coffee culture is emerging, with a few cafes in larger cities, Laos is poised to showcase high-quality coffee as peace continues to prevail in the country.
20. El Salvador
El Salvador, a small country in Central America, has made significant contributions to the global coffee industry for over a century.
Introduced in the late 1880s, coffee quickly became the country’s primary export, accounting for 90% of all exports by the 1920s.
Despite a decline in production since the 1980s, El Salvador remains a renowned origin for specialty coffee, boasting some of the world’s most sought-after varieties.
Coffee holds historical and economic significance, providing more than 50% of the country’s export revenues.
Shade-grown coffee accounts for 95% of El Salvador’s production, with farmers’ passion and expertise, along with skilled picking and milling workforces, contributing to the consistently high quality.
El Salvador continues to uphold its legacy as a producer of exceptional specialty coffee.
21. Thailand
Thailand is ranked among the top 25 coffee producers globally in 2014, having witnessed a remarkable transformation in its coffee industry.
Historically focused on Robusta coffee for industrial use, Thailand has emerged as an origin for specialty Arabica and fine Robusta coffees.
Arabica beans thrive in northern Thailand, while robusta beans are grown in the southern regions.
Coffee is cultivated both in shaded areas and open spaces, with intercropping practiced alongside fruit trees in hill areas.
Thailand’s high import tariffs have encouraged most coffee consumption to remain within the country.
Chiang Mai, one of the fastest-growing coffee-growing areas in Thailand, takes the lead in Arabica production, contributing to over half of the country’s coffee.
Thailand has transformed from an insignificant player to one of the top three coffee-producing countries in Asia.
With over 80,000 tons of Robusta coffee produced annually in its southern plantations, Thailand has carved a place for itself in the global coffee market.
Conclusion
The world of coffee production is vast and diverse, with each country leaving its unique mark on the industry.
From Brazil’s dominance as the largest producer to emerging growth in countries like China and Thailand, the global coffee market continues to evolve.
Nations like Ethiopia and Costa Rica showcase their rich coffee traditions, while newcomers like Laos and Papua New Guinea offer exciting prospects for specialty coffee.
Whether it’s the intense flavors of Kenyan coffee or the environmentally friendly practices of Peru, each country contributes to the vibrant tapestry of coffee production.
As coffee enthusiasts, we can appreciate the dedication and craftsmanship that goes into each cup, knowing that behind every sip lies the hard work and passion of farmers from around the world.
So, let’s continue exploring and savoring the flavors of coffee, celebrating the diverse landscapes and cultures that bring this beloved beverage to our cups.
