Who Are the Biggest Producers of Coffee: Top 20 Around the World

Vietnam emerges as a key player in the coffee world, renowned for its robusta beans. As the second-largest producers of coffee globally, Vietnam's coffee industry thrives on the robusta variety's resilience and distinct flavour profile. Its fertile lands and favourable climate facilitate abundant yields, fueling both domestic consumption and international trade. Vietnam's coffee plantations contribute significantly to the nation's economy, securing its position as a formidable force in the global coffee market.

Colombia

Colombia, famed for its premium arabica beans, holds a prominent position in the coffee world. Colombian coffee plantations thrive in diverse microclimates, imparting nuanced flavours to their beans. With a rich coffee heritage dating back centuries, Colombia's coffee farmers uphold rigorous standards, ensuring each bean meets exacting quality criteria. Colombian coffee remains a cherished commodity, embodying the nation's dedication to excellence in every cup making them as the top 20 producers of coffee in the world.

Indonesia

Indonesia is renowned for its diverse coffee offerings, boasting high production of both arabica and robusta varieties. Notable regions like Sumatra and Java stand out for their unique coffee profiles, shaped by the archipelago's volcanic soil and tropical climate. Indonesian coffee's distinct earthy flavours and bold aromas captivate coffee lovers worldwide. With a rich heritage deeply intertwined with coffee cultivation, Indonesia continues to enthrall enthusiasts with its unparalleled offerings from lush island plantations.

Ethiopia

Ethiopia, famously known as the birthplace of coffee, holds a revered position in the world of coffee production. Renowned for its vibrant coffee culture, Ethiopia boasts a diverse range of indigenous coffee varieties, including the prized arabica beans. Ethiopia's coffee-growing regions produce beans celebrated for their floral aromas and fruity undertones, captivating palates with their rich and complex brews. With a history steeped in coffee tradition, Ethiopia remains a beacon of excellence in the global coffee landscape, marking its position as one of the top producers of coffee worldwide.

Honduras

Honduras has ascended as one of notable producers of coffee, celebrated for its premium arabica beans. With an ideal climate and diverse terrain, Honduras fosters optimal conditions for coffee cultivation. Its commitment to quality and sustainability has propelled its reputation in the coffee world, attracting coffee lovers who are seeking exceptional beans. From the misty highlands to the fertile valleys, Honduras cultivates a rich coffee heritage, contributing significantly to the global market while empowering local communities through its thriving coffee industry.

India

Most specialty coffee farmers are found in Karnataka and Kerala in India. These areas, with their unique climates and soil compositions, yield beans prized for their exceptional quality and nuanced taste profiles, with a growing focus on sustainability and innovation.

Uganda

Uganda emerges as a notable producer of robusta coffee, carving a niche in the global market. Its robusta beans, cultivated with care amidst fertile landscapes, contribute substantially to the world's coffee supply. Additionally, Uganda's burgeoning coffee sector adds depth to its coffee profile, showcasing unique flavours and characteristics. With a focus on quality and sustainability, Uganda's coffee industry continues to evolve, offering both traditional robusta and specialty varieties to discerning consumers worldwide.

Mexico

Despite facing challenges like climate change and low yields, Mexico's coffee industry perseveres, supported by dedicated farmers and sustainable practices. The nation's coffee culture runs deep, with traditions intertwined with daily life. While not the largest producer globally, Mexico's contribution to the coffee world is significant, offering unique flavours and enriching the global coffee tapestry with its distinctive beans.

Guatemala

Guatemala, known for its premium arabica beans with its intricate flavour profiles. Guatemalan coffee thrives, benefiting from unique microclimates. These conditions invest the beans with distinctive flavours, ranging from fruity to chocolatey notes. With a commitment to quality and sustainable practices, Guatemala's coffee industry continues to flourish, earning recognition worldwide. Each cup tells a story of tradition, craftsmanship, and the rich cultural heritage that defines Guatemala's coffee legacy.

Peru

Peru's diverse geography, ranging from coastal plains to Andean mountains, provides ideal conditions for coffee cultivation. The country produces both arabica and robusta beans, with arabica accounting for the majority of its output. Peruvian coffee is renowned for its balanced flavour profile and smooth acidity, attributed to the high-altitude regions where it is grown. Moreover, Peru places a strong emphasis on organic and fair-trade production practices, catering to the growing demand for sustainable coffee. This commitment to ethical sourcing has earned Peruvian coffee a favourable reputation among coffee lovers worldwide.

Nicaragua

Nicaragua's coffee industry has experienced significant growth in recent years, fueled by investments in infrastructure and technology. Arabica beans dominate Nicaraguan coffee production, prized for their delicate flavour notes and aromatic qualities. The country's volcanic soil and favourable climate contribute to the exceptional quality of its coffee beans. Nicaraguan coffee farms often prioritize environmentally friendly practices, such as shade-grown cultivation and water conservation efforts. As a result, Nicaraguan coffee is gaining recognition for its sustainability and superior taste, attracting discerning coffee enthusiasts seeking premium brews.

Costa Rica

Costa Rica's coffee heritage dates back centuries, with the country's volcanic soil and microclimates yielding some of the world's finest arabica beans. Costa Rican coffee is distinguished by its bright acidity, balanced sweetness, and complex flavour profiles. The country's commitment to quality is reflected in its meticulous processing methods, including wet milling and sun drying. Furthermore, Costa Rica is a pioneer in sustainable coffee production, with many farms certified as carbon-neutral or organic

Ivory Coast (Côte d'Ivoire)

Ivory Coast is a major player in the global coffee market, primarily known for its robusta beans. Robusta coffee thrives in the country's tropical climate and fertile soils, making Ivory Coast one of the largest producers of this variety. While robusta beans are often used in blends and instant coffee, Ivory Coast is increasingly focusing on improving the quality and reputation of its coffee industry. With investments in infrastructure and agronomic practices, the country aims to elevate the status of its coffee, catering to evolving consumer preferences for specialty brews and sustainable sourcing.

Kenya

Kenya coffee is celebrated for its exceptional quality and distinct flavour profile, making it highly sought after by coffee lovers around the world. The country's arabica beans are prized for their vibrant acidity, fruity notes, and complex flavours, which are influenced by the region's rich volcanic soil and high-altitude terroir. Kenyan coffee is meticulously processed using methods such as washed processing, which enhances the clarity and brightness of the final cup. As one of top country producers of coffee, Kenyan coffee continues to command a premium in the global market, captivating enthusiasts with its unparalleled taste experience.

El Salvador

El Salvador stands out as a key player in the specialty coffee market especially as producers of coffee. Blessed with fertile volcanic soil and favourable microclimates, the country produces some of the finest arabica beans in the world. These beans are celebrated for their exceptional balance and sweetness, making them highly sought after by coffee connoisseurs worldwide.

El Salvador's coffee industry is characterized by small-scale, family-owned farms that meticulously tend to their crops. With a strong focus on quality over quantity, farmers employ traditional cultivation methods and often handpick the ripest cherries to ensure premium-grade beans. This attention to detail and dedication to excellence have earned El Salvador a reputation for producing consistently high-quality coffee year after year. The country's coffee culture runs deep, with generations of families passing down their knowledge and expertise in coffee cultivation and processing. Additionally, initiatives promoting sustainability and fair trade practices have gained traction within the industry, ensuring a more equitable distribution of profits and a brighter future for coffee farmers in El Salvador.

Cameroon

In West Africa, Cameroon emerges as a notable producer of robusta coffee, a variety prized for its bold flavour and rich aroma. While not as renowned as its arabica counterparts, Cameroonian robusta beans play a crucial role in the global coffee market, often used in blends to impart depth and complexity to the final cup. Cameroon's coffee industry has historically faced challenges such as limited infrastructure and inconsistent government support. However, efforts are underway to revitalise the sector and unlock its full potential. Smallholder farmers, who form the backbone of Cameroon's coffee production, are receiving training and resources to improve crop quality and increase yields.

Haiti

Haiti has a rich coffee heritage dating back centuries. While the country's coffee production levels have fluctuated over time, Haiti is known for its unique arabica beans, prized for their complex flavour profiles and distinct soil and land. The country's coffee culture is deeply ingrained in its history and traditions, with coffee playing a central role in social gatherings and cultural rituals.

Democratic Republic of the Cong

The Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) produces both arabica and robusta beans, with vast potential for growth, particularly in the specialty coffee segment. The country's diverse geography, ranging from lush rainforests to high-altitude plateaus, provides ideal conditions for coffee cultivation. 

Thailand

Thailand has been increasingly making its mark on the global coffee scene. While traditionally known for its tea production, Thailand has been steadily increasing its coffee production in recent years, particularly in the specialty coffee segment.

The country's northern regions, with their cooler climates and fertile soil, are well-suited for coffee cultivation. Thai coffee is characterized by its unique flavour profiles, influenced by factors such as altitude, soil composition, and processing methods. This diversity in taste has caught the attention of coffee enthusiasts worldwide, driving demand for Thai specialty coffees.

Thailand's coffee industry is supported by a growing community of passionate farmers, roasters, and baristas who are dedicated to producing and promoting high-quality beans. Government initiatives and private investments are also playing a role in expanding the industry, providing training, resources, and market access to coffee growers across the country.

As Thailand continues to invest in its coffee sector, there is optimism that the country will further establish itself as reputable producers of coffee on the global stage. With its commitment to quality, innovation, and sustainability, Thailand is poised to delight coffee lovers with its distinctive brews for years to come.