The World’s Biggest Coffee Producers: Who Rules the Coffee Sphere?

I fell in love with coffee in my early teens, and as a former barista I worked with coffee beans from the biggest coffee producers in the world. From experience, I can tell you that your daily cup is nothing short of a miracle.

What we coffee people call the “Bean Belt” produces billions of pounds of coffee every year. Producers in these regions magically transform cherries into aromatic coffee beans that power our days.

So who’s best at it? That’s what I’ll get to today. We’ll discover who the world’s top coffee producers are and why.

Where Does Coffee Grow?

Coffee thrives in the famous “Coffee Belt.” This geographical zone stretches between the Tropics of Cancer and Capricorn, experiencing the perfect warm, humid conditions that make coffee plants happy.

South and Central America form the coffee powerhouse of the Western Hemisphere, with Brazil and Colombia leading the charge. They’re followed by countries like Costa Rica and Guatemala, which produce bright, clean-tasting beans.

Meanwhile, Africa tells an incredible coffee story. Ethiopia, the birthplace of coffee, stands alongside Kenya in producing some of the world’s most distinctive fruit-forward beans. Similarly, Tanzania has garnered accolades for its peaberry coffee. There’s even an exciting newcomer: Sierra Leone, which is making waves with a rare variety called Coffea stenophylla.

The coffee journey continues east through Yemen (home of the original Arabica Mocha) and into Asia, where Vietnam and Indonesia have become coffee giants. Even more surprising? Europe has joined the coffee-growing club! Thanks to the unique climates of the Canary Islands and Azores, specialty coffee is now growing in European territories.

But let’s not forget the small but mighty producers like Hawaii’s volcanic Kona region and Jamaica’s Blue Mountains, where limited quantity meets exceptional quality.

Further south, Australia and Papua New Guinea might not lead in quantity, they’re certainly earning gold stars for their superb coffee quality. 

Why Does Coffee Grow So Well in the Belt?

The terroir is perfect for coffee in the Belt. You see, coffee plants are picky. Arabica varieties, in particular, love a mix of high altitude, warm days and cool nights. These conditions help beans develop slowly, thereby concentrating flavors.

For instance, coffee grown above 4,500 feet (1,370 meters), also known as Strictly Hard Grown or Strictly Hard Bean, tends to be complex, aromatic and bright-acidity. It undergoes selective harvesting, resulting in a low but higher-quality yield.

Arabica beans grown at 2,950-4,000 feet (900-1,220 meters) develop faster. They’re sweet, smooth, earthy and less acidic; but not as complex.

In contrast, Robusta beans thrive at lower elevations of 600-2,400 feet (182-730 meters). They come out bold, earthy, bitter, low in acidity and higher in caffeine. These beans undergo strip or mechanical harvests and serve commercial markets due to their perceived lower quality.

How Important is the Coffee Trade?

Did you know that the world’s largest industry, second only to oil, depends on your daily coffee? The figures are absurd: 400 million of the 2 billion cups of coffee that people drink daily worldwide are in the United States alone!

Of the $465 billion the coffee business makes annually, $50 billion comes from beverage sales. But money isn’t everything. A worldwide network of 25 million farmers rely on these beans for their livelihood. In fact, coffee exports are a huge part of agricultural GDP and a valuable source of foreign income in these producer countries.

That’s why organizations like the International Coffee Organization (ICO) work hard to improve the coffee economy. These efforts aim to ensure that farmers benefit just as much as buyers, roasters and other end retailers.

Clearly, coffee is here to stay! It’s become an inextricable part of our lives. It’s a motivator, a mood booster, a social lubricant and, well, a friend. How amazing that these little beans have such a big impact on our world!

Ranked: The 10 Biggest Coffee Producers

Now onto the crux of this post: Who are the biggest coffee producers? As per my extensive research here are the top 10 coffee-producing countries in the world as of 2023/2024. These nations currently produce the most Robusta and Arabica beans in terms of mostly quantity but also quality.

Brazil

It’s no surprise that Brazil tops this list of the biggest coffee producers by country. It’s done so for over 150 years! The coffee heartland, Minas Gerais (where, incidentally, we source our fair-trade espresso beans) produces half of Brazil’s coffee. Other leading regions include São Paulo (Mogiana) and Espírito Santo, a Robusta stronghold.

Brazilian coffee exports comprise 70% Arabica and 30% Robusta. Most beans undergo pulped-natural (pioneered by Brazil) or natural processing. As a result, their beans are low in acidity and deliciously full bodied, making them perfect for espresso or cold brew.

Most of these South American coffee beans go to the US, Germany, Italy, Japan and the big coffee companies.

Notably, 8 million people work in the coffee industry today. Interestingly, coffee was once so valuable here it was used as currency!

Vietnam

This country is the king of Robusta. In fact, 97 percent of its green beans are Robusta and the basis for the famous Vietnamese iced coffee. Surprisingly, it has surpassed Indonesia as the largest coffee producer in Asia. This is due to a steady increase in production thanks to the Doi Moi reforms. 

The Central Highlands area, which includes Dak Lak, Lam Dong, Gia Lai and Dak Nong is at the heart of Vietnamese coffee production. In contrast, the northern province of Son La, which lies at higher elevations, grows Arabica. Recently Da Lat, a popular tourist destination, is emerging as a specialty coffee region.

Vietnamese producers prefer wet or washed coffee processing. This suits their commercial-grade coffee, which goes to Germany, the US, Italy, Japan and Russia. The industry here employs around 3 million people, with smallholders making up most of the production. 

Colombia

Colombia stands out for its high-quality coffee beans, ranking it third among the world’s biggest coffee producers, and second for Arabica. Most of its coffee grows high in the Andes at between 3,937 and 6561 feet (1,200 and 2,000 meters). Typical varieties include Caturra, Typica and Bourbon.

The famous Eje Cafetero or “Coffee Triangle,” comprising Caldas, Risaralda and Quindío leads production. What ranks Colombian coffee is its meticulous processing. It was the first country to put in place 100 percent same-day selective harvesting, fermentation and wet-processing. The result? Distinctively bright and well-balanced coffees.

These beans primarily go to the United States, Canada, Germany, Japan and South Korea. To maintain quality, the Colombian Coffee Growers Federation oversees production. Despite challenges with coffee diseases like leaf rust, this zeal has earned “Colombian Coffee” PGI status. The iconic fictional character and brand Juan Valdez has come to symbolize this excellence. He represents Colombia’s rich coffee heritage and the over 500,000 producers ensuring sustainable fourth-wave practices.

Ethiopia

Ethiopia is the biggest coffee producer in Africa. This East African coffee country is famous for Arabica varieties like Heirloom, Yirgacheffe, Gesha and Harrar. Over 15 million people are involved in the coffee sector, which thrives in Yirgacheffe, Sidamo, Harrar and Limmu provinces.

Interestingly, undiscovered indigenous varieties still grow in forests here. Ethiopia’s natural processing creates fruit-forward, wine flavors reminiscent of anaerobic coffees. In addition, newer washed and honey processing methods are expanding the flavor spectrum.

This ancient country exports much of its coffee to Germany, Belgium, Saudi Arabia, the United States and Japan. But it’s the only coffee producer in the world that consumes half its coffee domestically.

You see, coffee is not just a beverage here but a ceremony. Similar to Turkish coffee in strength, it’s brewed and served using a buna. You’ll often hear the Amharic buna dabo naw exclaimed here, which means “coffee is our bread!” 

Ethiopian coffee also forms a significant part of GDP, accounting for over 30-35 percent of total export earnings.

Indonesia

Indonesia’s coffee story began when the Dutch introduced coffee plants in the late 1600s. Over the centuries, the country grew into a global coffee powerhouse. Until recently it was second only to Brazil when ranking the biggest coffee producers in the world. Notably, over the last 10 years, coffee’s contribution to the country’s agricultural GDP has fallen by nearly two-thirds.

Ninety-nine percent of the coffee Indonesia produces comes from the almost 1.8 million small-holders who, interestingly, interspace coffee with indigenous trees and spices.

While Robusta dominates production, it’s the Arabica beans that have experts talking. These gems, particularly Java Arabica, Sumatra Mandheling, Sulawesi Toraja and Bali Kintamani rank Indonesia highly. Kopi Luwak, a rare, delicious but controversial civet cat-processed coffee, is also world-famous. I’d avoid it if you can.

What makes Indonesian coffee special is giling basah or wet-hulled processing. This intricate method creates deep, full-bodied coffees with low acidity. This coffee giant mostly exports to the United States, Europe, Japan, South Korea and Malaysia. Despite an obvious dip in world rankings, Indonesian coffee’s sublime flavors continue to captivate palates worldwide.

Uganda

Uganda ranks as the sixth biggest coffee producer worldwide. It specializes in Robusta production, which thrives in the Rwenzori Mountains and Mount Elgon. Most of these beans undergo wet processing.

Just like its neighbors Rwanda and Burundi, Uganda is working to increase Arabica production. As the second-largest global Robusta producer, it has so far focused on this one species.

But all’s not lost. As per the National Coffee Strategy, Uganda is aiming for a 20 percent increase in its Arabica and Robusta coffee output by 2025. As such, the government is targeting at least 1.7 million growers to improve quality and yields.

Top export markets for these African coffee beans include Italy, Germany, Belgium, the United States and Sudan.

India

India is the seventh largest coffee producer, globally. Primarily it grows and exports Robusta, but is also an emerging Arabica exporter. Malabar coffee is one such prized variety. It’s famous the world over for its seven-week “monsooning.” This processing method goes back to the 18th century when the British controlled the trade.

This unique processing method gives these beans a heavy body, long finish and earthy, spiced, smoky flavor notes. Although not to everyone’s taste, these beans aren’t acidic, making them ideal for espresso or café crème.

Karnataka, Kerala and Tamil Nadu are the leading coffee producers. In these states, the sector employs over 2 million people. Most Indian coffee undergoes washed processing, giving it a cleaner finish. These beans then proceed to major markets like Italy, Germany, Belgium, the United States and Russia.

Honduras

Honduras ranks eighth amongst the biggest coffee producers worldwide. Although the country grows some Robusta, it’s the premium Arabica beans that people love. This Central American coffee is full-bodied, mildly acidic and nuanced.

Coffee here thrives in the Marcala, Agalta, Copán and Ocotepeque regions. The sector employs over a million people, mostly smallholders. While wet processing dominates, some specialty coffees undergo natural processing.

Honduras exports much of its crop to the United States, Germany, Belgium, Italy and Spain. To improve exports, the government has implemented initiatives to promote quality and traceability. They also aim to double coffee production in the country by 2030.

Peru

Peruvian coffee is amongst the most prized in the world. Coffee lovers seek its well-balanced and mellow profile, sweetness and mildly acidic qualities. Most beans are wet-processed, preserving their natural sweetness and acidity.

Peruvian coffee, particularly coatis-processed capas coffee, is some of the most luxurious coffee in  the world. Over 200,000 small-scale farmers in Peru grow Arabica varieties, many using sustainable and organic practices.

Cooperatives and certifications like Rainforest Alliance and Fair-trade support these producers. As a result, Peru’s coffee production has steadily increased in recent years. This Latin American country exports a significant part of its coffee to the United States, Germany, Belgium and Italy.

Mexico

Last, but not least, there’s Mexico. This Central American country primarily produces Arabica coffee. It boasts a light to medium body, subtle sweetness and clean taste.

Chiapas leads production, followed by regions like Veracruz, Oaxaca, Puebla and Guerrero. Mexican coffee thrives at altitudes between 2,953 and 5,905 feet (900 and 1,800 meters). Processing methods vary from wet to dry, depending on water availability.

The United States, Canada, Austria and Cuba are primary export destinations. Interestingly, Mexico also imports coffee for its instant coffee market.

What makes Mexican coffee particularly special is its certified organic status. Many farms also operate under shade-grown conditions, supporting local biodiversity. The industry employs over 500,000 farmers, mostly smallholders.

Notably, indigenous communities, such as the Xapotec and Aztec play a vital role. However, coffee faces ongoing challenges from coffee leaf rust disease, which is accentuated by climate change.

Final Thoughts on the World’s Coffee Giants

I’ve now come to the end of this incredible journey exploring the world’s biggest coffee producers! It’s amazing to think that every sip connects us to millions of farmers and centuries of tradition.

Brazil and Vietnam still lead this incredible endeavor. However countries like Tanzania, Guatemala, and Thailand are up and coming.

Sure, these coffee giants cultivate quality coffee beans. But they also keep alive a global culture that unites us all.

Next time you’re enjoying that delicious pour-over, spare a thought for the incredible people who made your brew possible. As you sip, you’re enjoying not just a beverage but a global story in a cup!

Biggest Coffee Producers FAQ

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