Which Country Produces the Most Coffee

An estimated 169.34 million bags of Coffee were produced in 2019/2020, the global consumption of which accounted for 168.39 million bags. Demand continues to rise, prompting dozens of nations to increase their annual yield. But which country produces the most Coffee? Not only will the following article tell you just that; it’ll also showcase the top 10 Coffee producing countries.

Once you’ve discovered the facts, you can buy the finest Coffee Beans and even Loose Leaf Tea here at The Kent and Sussex Tea and Coffee Company.

Established in 1982, our family-run business, nestled in the stunning vistas of the Kentish countryside, takes tremendous pride in packing all of our products fresh to order. This ensures quality and consistency with every cuppa brewed.

#1 Brazil is the Largest Coffee Producing Country

Brazil Coffee production statistics suggest that in the 2019/20 marketing year, 61.6 million bags came from this South American country. Brazil Coffee exports, too, are at the top of the leaderboard.

To say Brazil is famous for Coffee would be a colossal understatement when, in reality, it serves as part of the bedrock that defines its culture. So what do you need to know about Coffee bean production in Brazil?

Should you be wondering where Coffee grows in Brazil, the answer is in thirteen – exactly half – of its 26 states. The Brazil Coffee harvest season is typically from May to September, much of which takes place at 1,100 metres above sea level.

The bottom line is that Brazil’s Coffee industry is flourishing and constantly growing, its Brazillian Coffee Beans impressing casual drinkers and connoisseurs alike.

The 2019 Coffee Crisis and the Brazil Coffee Market

It’s worth noting that being the world’s largest Coffee producer can, at times, come with a downside to others. We reported on the 2019 Coffee Crisis and how a surplus of Brazillian Coffee caused a dramatic fall in prices.

Evidence at the time indicated that many of the neighbouring countries’ farmers had abandoned their estates, having been unable to push their product onto the market.

#2 Vietnam is Second for Coffee Producing Countries

The next stop on our journey to find out which country produces the most Coffee is Vietnam. This Southeast Asian country has seen Coffee Beans as a significant source of income since the early 20th century.

The most recent estimate is that 30.5 million bags were produced during the 2019/20 season. However, the best Coffee to buy in Vietnam is Arabica Coffee, of which far less is created.

Coffee made in Vietnam mostly tends to be Robusta, a cheaper alternative to Arabica. The result, unfortunately, is that Vietnam Coffee manufacturers sometimes focus on lesser-quality beans.

Nevertheless, Vietnam Coffee exports are high, while Coffee consumption in Vietnam itself is likewise considerable. The hope is that Vietnam Coffee production will improve in the years to come.

#3 Colombia Takes Third Place for Coffee Production

When people think of their favourite brew, Colombia Coffee culture often comes to mind. This is another South American country like Brazil, today making 12% of the world’s Coffee.

It was during the 17th century that Colombia Coffee’s history started. However, it wasn’t until the 19th century that it became the nation’s dominant export crop when, in 1875, 170,000 bags were shipped overseas.

Colombia Coffee harvest exports have since increased to nearly 15 million bags as of 2019/20. Much originates from the Coffee growing regions of Colombia such as Nariño, Cauca, Meta, Huila and Tolima – among many more.

The Coffee harvest season in Colombia, meanwhile, is from March to June and again from September to December, usually at 1,000-2,000 metres above sea level.

#4 The Coffee Industry in Indonesia Takes Fourth Place

Coffee exports in Indonesia were around 10 million bags in 2019/20. Coffee consumption in Indonesia itself, however, is relatively low.

This is because most locals prefer Loose Tea such as our Java Green Tea PS Sunda Purwa and Sumatra Gunung Dempo Estate Black Tea. But while Coffee culture in Indonesia is a somewhat muted affair, it has little influence on the great desirability of the beans overseas.

Perhaps the most famous Coffee in Indonesia is Sumatra Lintong Coffee, a full-bodied, dark-roasted, high-grade Arabica Bean Coffee of unparalleled character and charm. When brewed, it boasts distinct earthy and spicy notes – a true delight from start to finish.

There are nevertheless other options on the Indonesia Coffee market, each having something unique, indeed extraordinary, to offer.

#5 Ethiopia is the Original Home of Coffee

We would be remiss if we didn’t talk about Ethiopia, the original home of your cuppa, while discussing which country produces the most Coffee. This East African nation comes in as the fifth-largest producer.

According to legend, it was a goat herder Who Discovered Coffee in Ethiopia many centuries ago. He apparently observed his flock grazing on the plant, growing ever excitable, and so he tried it for himself.

The rest, of course, is history. What you want to know is where Coffee is grown in Ethiopia – and, above all else, how much is made. Coffee farmers in Ethiopia produce beans in the Ethiopian highlands at altitudes ranging from about 1,200 to 2,200 metres above sea level.

Despite there being some challenges for Coffee exporters in Ethiopia, approximately 7.5 million bags came from here in 2019/20.

Gourmet Coffee from Ethiopia is a Must-Have Choice

Two ever sought-after types of Gourmet Ethiopian Coffee are Ethiopian Yirgacheffe and Ethiopian Sidamo Coffee. The former is a washed, wet-processed and sun-dried Coffee, factors of which contribute to its clean and fruity character.

The latter is better known for its bold notes of blackcurrant and red cherry with smooth, aromatic overtones. Both we stock here at The Kent and Sussex Tea and Coffee Company.

#6 Honduras Coffee Ranking as the Sixth Largest Coffee Producing Country

Honduras Coffee production in 2019/20 amounted to 7.3 million bags, the beans of which come from Honduras Coffee regions such as Copán, Marcala-Montecillos and Opalaca. The Honduras Coffee farms found in these areas – 92% of which are smallholdings – create some of the most delectable types of Coffee in Central America. But where did it all begin?

The start of Honduras Coffee’s history was in the 18th century, though widespread cultivation didn’t occur until the 20th century. However, in 1998, around 80% of the country’s agriculture suffered at the hands of Hurricane Mitch.

Climate change today, too, has caused drought for Honduras Coffee. Further support for countless Honduras Coffee plantation workers is, unquestionably, sorely needed.

#7 Coffee Estates in India Produce Unique Beans

When you think of what country produces the most Coffee, the chances are that the Coffee industry in India isn’t high on your list.

But Coffee exports from India have increased in recent years, particularly since the 1990s when the government ceded tight control over the market and returned it to farmers. Recent statistics indicate that, in 2019/20, it produced 5.16 million bags.

Widespread Coffee harvesting in India has now become emblematic of the nation’s own emergence as an economic powerhouse.

What’s more, Coffee consumption in India has also risen due to shifting attitudes and demand. There are several Types of Coffee Beans in India. However, the most famous is Monsoon Malabar Coffee due to the unique process utilised in its making.

What Makes Monsoon Malabar Coffee so Special?

This Indian Coffee comes from the Malabar Coast in the South. Growers create it by exposing the beans to thick, damp, monsoon air for several months. The result is that the Coffee swells while losing its natural acidity.

It also influences the taste upon brewing, which most people describe as sweet, rich, full-bodied and slightly spicy – a perfect choice for those who like a hearty brew.

#8 Uganda Ranks Eighth for the Largest Coffee Producing Country

This East-Central African nation is probably yet another place you don’t consider when thinking about which country produces the most Coffee.

An estimated 5.36 million bags were exported recently by Uganda Coffee plantations, scattered across several Coffee growing areas in Uganda. Quality has also experienced a boost as factors affecting Coffee production in Uganda, such as weather, have improved.

Despite its relative proximity to Ethiopia, the history of Coffee in Uganda only dates back to the 19th century. The industry was actually all but abandoned in the 1920s when crop prices fell dramatically.

Of course, as Uganda Coffee export statistics suggest, there was an eventual resurgence in Coffee growing in Uganda. Today, Uganda Green Coffee Beans have held on to their popularity.

#9 Ninth Place is Reserved for Coffee Production in Mexico

Coffee culture in Mexico came about during the 18th century when the Spanish transported plants from modern-day Cuba and the Dominican Republic.

Since those days, countless beloved types of Coffee in Mexico, including our Mexican Terruño Nayarita Reserva, collectively make upwards of 3.7 million bags. This mostly originates from Mexico Coffee regions such as Chiapas, Oaxaca, Veracruz and Puebla.

Such is the allure of these beans that Coffee consumption in Mexico has exploded. But, of course, there is plenty for exporting, too, as Coffee grown in Mexico continues to expand to meet demand.

It is indeed expected that in the years to come, Coffee Beans growers in Mexico will produce enough to rank far higher on the table. Who knows where the nation will be placed next season?

#10 Guatemala is the Tenth Largest Coffee Producing Country

Last but not least is Guatemala’s Coffee production at around 3.7 million bags. Though the Guatemala Coffee crisis has led to a decrease in Guatemala Coffee exports, it has managed to stay in the top ten largest Coffee producing countries in 2019/20.

Now for some Guatemala Coffee production facts. Similar to other countries in Central America, widespread cultivation took place during the 19th century.

By 1859, over a half million plants flourished in the Guatemalan Coffee regions of Antigua, Coban, Fraijanes and San Marcos. However, dictatorships, coups, civil wars and economic struggles in the centuries following have led to much instability in the industry.

Despite the turbulence of Guatemala’s Coffee history, there remains much to celebrate, namely at the Coffee harvest celebration in Guatemala!

What is the Coffee Harvest Festival in Guatemala?

This festival boasts numerous processions with outstanding food, traditional Guatemalan music, dance, and, of course, drinking the fruits (in a way, literally) of the Guatemala Coffee harvest season.

It takes place in February and usually goes on for at least three days, showcasing the country’s passion for its Guatemala Coffee farms and the incredible beans that they make.

Summary to Which Country Produces the Most Coffee

The simple answer to what country produces the most Coffee is Brazil. Second is Vietnam, third is the Colombia Coffee industry, and fourth is the Coffee community in Indonesia.

The fifth-place spot is for the Coffee Bean Farmers of Ethiopia, followed by Honduras Green Coffee Beans. And then there is India, Uganda, Mexico and Guatemala in seventh, eighth, ninth and tenth place, respectively.

We stock Fresh Coffee from almost all of these nations. Be sure to browse our vast and comprehensive selection to find the brew for you.

Should you like it enough, you could even set up a Coffee Subscription to receive your favourite delights on the month, every month. Whatever you’re looking for, you can count on The Kent and Sussex Tea and Coffee Company to deliver – literally and figuratively.