World coffee production
Around 7.7 million tonnes of green coffee beans are produced annually across 10.5 million hectares in over 50 countries.
Most coffee – around 85% of the world’s total - is produced in South and Central America. Around 85% of this is “Arabica”. Of the remaining total, 10% is now produced in Asia and 5% Africa. In these regions, “Robusta” is more widespread. Biggest single producer is Brazil with 2.2 million tonnes across 2.3 million ha. Vietnam, Indonesia and Colombia are the next largest, producing between 0.6 – 1.0 million tonnes each across a total combined area of 2.6 million ha.
Brazil is the largest exporter with 29% of all exports. Vietnam and Colombia are also major exporters with 16 and 11% of the world’s total exports respectively.
Arabica coffee is distinguished as ‘Brazilian Naturals’ and ‘Milds’, such as ‘Colombian Mild’. A smaller percentage (around 20%) of the Arabica coffee from Colombia, Costa Rica and Guatemala is sold as ‘gourmet type’.
Average coffee yields worldwide are around 0.7t/ha, but under more intensive production regimes, e.g. Brazil, Vietnam, Costa Rica, Colombia and Guatemala, growers average 1-1.4t/ha green bean yields. Average national Robusta coffee yield in Vietnam is 2 ton/ha. The biggest coffee drinkers are the Scandinavians. Per capita consumption in Norway, Denmark and Finland is over 10kg/person per year.
Western Europeans are also relatively high coffee consumers at 4-8kg/person. In comparison, Americans, Canadians and Australians consume less.
