Main Coffee Varieties

Coffee primarily comes in two types – Arabica and Robusta. Each has unique characteristics in terms of taste, caffeine content, and ideal growing conditions:

• Arabica Coffee

  • Taste: Arabica coffee is known for its mild, aromatic flavor, often with fruity or floral notes.
  • Caffeine: It has lower caffeine content compared to Robusta.
  • Cultivation: Grown at high altitudes (600-2000 meters) in cooler, humid climates. Major growing areas include Latin America, East Africa, and some hilly regions in India.

• Robusta Coffee

  • Taste: Robusta has a stronger, bitter taste with a bold, earthy flavor profile.
  • Caffeine: It has a higher caffeine content than Arabica.
  • Cultivation: Robusta grows well in low-altitude, high-temperature, and high-humidity areas, mostly cultivated in Vietnam, Brazil, and parts of Africa.

• Liberica and Excelsa Coffee

  • Liberica is a unique variety with a smoky or woody flavor, mainly found in the Philippines and Malaysia.

2. Key Coffee Growing Regions

Coffee is primarily cultivated in the Coffee Belt, an imaginary belt across tropical regions around the equator. Major coffee-producing countries include:

• Brazil: The largest coffee producer globally, growing both Arabica and Robusta.
• Vietnam: Major producer of Robusta coffee, which is highly demanded in the global market.
• Colombia: Known for high-quality Arabica coffee.
• Ethiopia: Believed to be the origin of Arabica coffee, famous for its high-quality, flavorful beans.
• India: Primarily grows both Arabica and Robusta in regions like Karnataka, Kerala, and Tamil Nadu.

3. Coffee Export Data for 2023-2024

In 2023-2024, coffee exports saw significant activity with the following highlights:

• Brazil: Brazil maintained its position as a top exporter, though climate-related challenges affected production, causing some price volatility.
• Vietnam: Continued as a major exporter of Robusta coffee, with high demand from European and Asian markets.
• India: Key export destinations for Indian coffee include the US, Germany, Italy, and Belgium, with overall growth in coffee exports seen in 2023.

Total global coffee export volume in 2023 was approximately 140 million bags (60 kg per bag), with Arabica and Robusta making up roughly a 60:40 ratio.

4. Coffee Demand and Future Projections (2025)

By 2025, global coffee demand is expected to rise further, with key growth areas and trends projected as follows:

• Asia-Pacific Region: Countries like China and India are witnessing increasing coffee consumption, contributing significantly to global demand by 2025.
• North America and Europe: There is growing demand for specialty coffee (such as single-origin and organic varieties).
• Middle East: Investment in coffee shops and cafes is increasing, likely boosting coffee imports in the region by 2025.

Projected demand for 2025: Expected to reach around 200 million bags, driven by trends like urbanization and increased coffee culture among younger populations.