Have you ever wondered what country the coffee you're drinking comes from? Chances are the answer to your question lies among the 10 largest coffee producers in the world. Immersing yourself in the pleasures of an exclusive coffee is something few enjoy and many others want to discover. The fondness for this beverage is more than justified by its gastronomic, therapeutic, and even social qualities. A coffee lover is obliged to know what country the coffee they're drinking comes from, because believe it or not, all coffees have a different flavor depending on their origin. The attributes of each cup of coffee depend on the variety grown, the climate, and the bean processing process, which are different in each country where it is produced.
Coffee is grown in a specific but comprehensive area of the world known as the "Coffee Belt," so named because it's like a belt that encircles Ecuador. The Coffee Belt encompasses Africa, Asia, Latin America, and the Caribbean, making coffee a global crop.
Producers depend on the infrastructure, support, and education they receive from government agencies, cooperatives, and nonprofit organizations. All this work allows us to continue enjoying our daily cup. Below, I'll tell you about the 10 countries with the highest coffee production in 2021.
1. Brazil
It is considered the largest coffee producer, with an annual output of 3,009 tons. In the 18th century, Brazil began cultivating coffee in the North. Now, around 300,000 Brazilian coffee growers produce about 40% of the world's coffee.
The Brazilian Coffee Institute (IBC) regulates and coordinates the industry in Brazil. The Arabica variety accounts for 70% of coffee beans. Three percent of export revenue comes from coffee, which is grown in the areas of Minas Gerais, Bahia, Rondônia, and Espirito Santo.
2. Vietnam
This Asian country ranks second in world coffee production with 1,683 tons. Coffee arrived in Vietnam in the 19th century, but it was not cultivated for export until the early 1990s (20th century), when the country turned to coffee cultivation to improve its economy.
The sector has grown at tremendous rates and now represents nearly 3 million people, mostly small-scale farmers. The majority of coffee production is of the Robusta variety, as less than 5% of coffee beans are Arabica.
3. Colombia
Known for its mild washed Arabica coffee, Colombia enjoys very favorable climatic conditions. The Andean region, with its three mountain ranges—eastern, central, and western—is ideal for cultivation due to its volcanic soils, temperate climate, and altitudes ranging from 1,300 to 2,800 meters above sea level.
Colombia has a long history surrounding coffee. Unique traditions and lifestyles have emerged from the industry. Coffee was introduced to Colombia in the early 18th century, and by the end of the 19th century, it was the dominant crop.
In Colombia, approximately 2.3 million hectares of land are planted with coffee. In 1960, coffee accounted for almost 90% of Colombia's exports. There are approximately 555,000 coffee growers in Colombia. Coffee farms are generally not owned by large corporations, as they are family-owned properties.
4. Indonesia
This beautiful island nation, Indonesia, has a long coffee history dating back to the 17th century. They settled on Java (one of its islands), making Indonesia one of the first countries outside of Arabia and Africa to encourage cultivation and promote Arabica production. In the late 19th century, coffee leaf rust wiped out much of the high-quality coffee plants. To prevent this tragedy from happening again, Indonesia replanted with disease-resistant Robusta coffee. Now, Arabica coffee accounts for about 25% of the coffee beans grown.
5. Ethiopia
It is believed that Arabica coffee was born in Ethiopia, because it is from there that the legend of the shepherd Kaldi comes. Thanks to the goats he looked after, he discovered that his sudden increase in spirits was due to an unknown green bush and its red fruits. When the sheep ate them, they felt more awake and jumpy.
Today, 12 million people in Ethiopia make their living from the coffee sector. Coffee accounts for 28% of exports and is grown in the southeast, east, and west of the country. Ethiopia has a coffee culture rich in traditions, such as the coffee ceremony, a ritual held among family and friends, where coffee is tasted in a ceremonial setting adorned with flowers and aromatic leaves falling onto a carpet as a symbol of the union between man and nature.
6. Honduras
Honduras is the largest coffee-producing country in Central America. Between 1970 and 1996, national production increased by 200%. Honduras's terrain and soil are well-suited to producing specialty coffee beans, which represent approximately 30% of total coffee exports.
The Honduran Coffee Institute helps promote coffee production and assists farmers. This support has helped the industry thrive. Coffee is Honduras's main agricultural export. Approximately 100,000 people in Honduras currently grow coffee. Diversity is a hallmark of Honduras. Diverse varieties, processes, and microclimates in the six main coffee-growing regions create varied cup profiles.
7. Peru
Coffee arrived in Peru in the late 18th century, but exporting the crop took longer. The first recorded exports didn't occur until the late 19th century. There are now more than 100,000 coffee producers growing varieties common in Latin America, such as Bourbon, Typica, Catuai, Caturra, and Mundo Novo.
The regions extend from north to south and include San Martín, Junín, Cajamarca, Amazonas, and Cusco. Peruvian coffees are prized for their smooth cup profile. This South American country also excels in the production of organic washed coffees.
8. India
In the 17th century, coffee beans were brought from Yemen to India. During the 18th century, the British increased commercial coffee plantations in India. There are now 210,000 coffee farmers, mainly smallholders. They grow both Arabica and Robusta beans, primarily in the southern part of the country in Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, and Kerala.
Indian coffee is known for its spicy flavor, with hints of clove or cardamom, and low acidity. The government has created the Coffee Board of India, which regulates the industry. Coffee is primarily exported, as the preferred beverage in the country is tea.
9. Uganda
Coffee is Uganda's main export, a country that primarily grows Robusta (87%), while Arabica accounts for only 13% of production. In fact, Uganda is the largest exporter of Robusta coffee in Africa.
Uganda produces coffee in much of the west, east, and southeast. The Robusta harvest season typically runs from November to February. Due to British influence, tea is the preferred beverage in Uganda, so there isn't much of a traditional coffee culture.
10. Guatemala
In Guatemala, more than 100,000 people are involved in the coffee sector. The rich volcanic soil and microclimates help create coffee with notes of chocolate or even spices. The National Coffee Association (ANACAFE) assists with research and promotes Guatemalan coffee worldwide.
Guatemalan coffee is grown in the southern part of the country, from east to west. Antigua has rich volcanic soil, which is ideal for coffee cultivation. The high altitudes in the Huehuetanango region give the coffees a caramel-like acidity and sweetness. Near the Honduran border, the cloudy conditions in Nuevo Oriente produce a balanced and full-bodied brew.
Finally, you should know that the global coffee market is concentrated in a few producers, the top ten of which produce 88% of all the world's coffee . If we consider the top 20, together they account for 97% of global production, which is concentrated especially in Latin America, followed by Africa and Asia.