COFFEE NEWS, VIETNAM PRODUCTS NEWS

Global Coffee Competitors 2023

Posted on by content.vinahugo
01
Oct

1. Brazil

Overview

  • Largest producer in the world, especially of Arabica.

  • Accounts for one-third of global coffee production.

  • Brazilian Real weakening vs. USD encourages more exports.

Varieties

  • Over 100 types cultivated: Bourbon, Typica, Caturra, Catimor…

  • Arabica is main export. Grown at 700–1,300m, lower than Central America, Colombia, or East Africa → less acidity, rounder, sweeter taste.

Processing

  • Wet, natural, and pulped-natural methods.

  • Brazilian clean coffee highly rated in the U.S.

Export markets

  • Germany, U.S., Italy, Belgium, Japan…

Import sources

  • Switzerland, France, Italy, UK, Germany…

Growing regions

  • Minas Gerais (largest, ~1,042,310 ha; famous for washed coffee).

  • Bahia (Arabica, esp. processed types).

  • São Paulo (Mogiana, Center-West).

  • Paraná (higher costs, low yield).

  • Rondônia (Conillon/Robusta).

Production (USDA 2023 forecast)

  • Arabica: 39.8 million bags (+3.4m vs last year, but below 2020–21 peak of 50m).

  • Robusta: 22.8 million bags (record high).

  • Total: 62.6 million bags, but exports fall to 33 million (–2.6m) due to stock use.

Harvest season: April–October; high-quality beans peak in Dec–Jan.

Export price (2023): USD 2.05–2.39/kg (~11.25 BRL/kg).

Strengths

  • Diverse processing methods (natural, pulped natural).

Weaknesses

  • Frost remains a major threat.

2. Colombia

Overview

  • Almost exclusively Arabica: Bourbon (pink/yellow), Typica, Caturra, Catimor.

  • Castillo variety introduced by FNC, resistant to leaf rust.

Processing

  • Wet (Beneficio) method due to frequent rains.

Export markets

  • U.S., Belgium, Canada, Germany, Japan…

Import sources

  • Brazil, Peru, Ecuador…

Growing regions

  • Cauca (Inza, Popayan): 8% of production

  • Tolima: 12%

  • Huila: 12%

  • Nariño: 3%

  • Santander: 9% (shade-grown, low altitude)

Production

  • Farm size: 1–5 ha.

  • Exports: 11–13 million bags/year.

Harvest seasons: March–June, Sept–Dec.

Export price (2023): ~USD 3.07–3.23/kg.

  • Previously: USD 3.58 (2017), USD 3.23 (2018), USD 3.07 (2019).

Strengths

  • Diverse climate, fertile soil, altitude → high-quality beans.

Weaknesses

  • Higher cost than Brazil/Vietnam.

  • La Niña rains reduced Dec output by 29%.

3. Peru

Overview

  • Renowned for premium Arabica.

  • Best-growing regions: Villa Rica (1,600–2,000m, Amazon, Oxapampa).

  • Flavor: mild acidity, aromatic, slightly sweet.

Export markets: U.S., Germany, Belgium, Colombia…
Import sources: Colombia, Italy, Brazil…

Growing regions

  • Chanchamayo Valley (Andes, 200 miles east of Lima).

  • Cusco (Urubamba Valley): AAA specialty grade.

Production

  • Coffee = 28% of agri-exports.

  • Area: 380,000 ha.

  • Varieties: Typica (70%), Caturra (20%), others (10%).

  • 90% shade-grown, mostly organic.

Harvest season: April–October (higher regions later).

Export price (2023): ~USD 2.61–2.74/kg.

  • Earlier: USD 2.89 (2017), 2.61 (2018), 2.74 (2019).

Strengths

  • Smooth, mild flavor, low acidity.

  • Mostly organic, minimal chemicals.

  • Many farms meet international organic standards.

Weaknesses

  • Climate change reducing arable land.