Top 5 Coffee-Producing Countries in the World: Who Dominates the Global Market?

IT DMK Cargo
Jul 22
3 min read

Coffee has become an essential part of modern lifestyle. Not only enjoyed for its distinct taste, coffee is also a leading commodity in global trade. According to the latest data from the International Coffee Organization (ICO) and USDA in mid-2024, global coffee consumption continues to rise along with market growth in Asia, North America, and Europe.

However, not every country has the ideal climate and topography to grow coffee. Only certain nations are able to produce coffee on a large scale and consistently every year.

Here are the top five coffee-producing countries in the world and their roles in the global coffee industry.

1. Brazil – The World’s Coffee Production Hub Since the 19th Century

Brazil is the largest coffee producer in the world, accounting for about 35% of total global coffee production. In 2024, Brazil produced more than 63 million bags of coffee (one bag equals 60 kg). The majority of its production is Arabica, known for its light body, floral aroma, and balanced acidity.

Brazil’s coffee production is highly organized, involving large-scale farming systems across regions such as Minas Gerais, São Paulo, Espírito Santo, and Bahia. Well-established export infrastructure also makes Brazil the main exporter to the United States, Europe, and Asia.

Important note: Brazil has both main and supplementary harvest seasons, helping to keep coffee supply stable year-round.

2. Vietnam – The Robusta King of Southeast Asia

Vietnam ranks second in global coffee production, with an estimated output of 29 million bags per year. About 95% of Vietnam’s coffee production is of the robusta variety, which contains higher caffeine content and a stronger taste.

Highland areas like Buon Ma Thuot in the Central Highlands are the country’s primary coffee-growing regions. The Vietnamese government actively supports coffee farmers through intensification programs and modern agricultural practices.

In addition to being a major supplier of robusta for instant coffee and espresso blends, Vietnam has also begun exporting higher-value specialty coffee.

3. Colombia – A Symbol of Coffee Quality Worldwide

Colombia is famous for producing high-quality Arabica coffee. Its annual production reaches 12 million bags, with most coming from typical Arabica varieties like Caturra, Castillo, and Bourbon.

Unique geographic conditions, such as volcanic soil, balanced rainfall, and biannual harvests in the Andes regions (Antioquia, Huila, Nariño), give Colombian coffee its complex flavor and aroma.

Organizations like the Federación Nacional de Cafeteros de Colombia (FNC) play a major role in maintaining quality and promoting Colombian coffee globally through the Juan Valdez brand.

4. Indonesia – A Coffee Nation with Thousands of Flavors

Indonesia ranks fourth globally, with a total production of around 11 million bags per year. The country has a long history as a coffee producer since the Dutch colonial era, and is now recognized for its diversity of flavors across different regions.

Indonesian coffee includes both Arabica and Robusta types, as well as unique varieties like Kopi Luwak. Major coffee-producing areas include Aceh Gayo, Mandailing, Toraja, Bajawa (NTT), and Kintamani (Bali). These coffees are known for their earthy, spicy, or winey flavor profiles, depending on the origin.

Indonesia is also one of the few countries that applies various post-harvest methods such as wet hulled, natural, and honey process to create distinctive taste characteristics.

5. Ethiopia – The Birthplace of Coffee and Arabica’s Genetic Center

Ethiopia is regarded as the country of origin for the Arabica coffee plant. It produces about 8 million bags per year. Ethiopian coffee is unique for its wild-grown varieties and traditional, chemical-free farming methods.

Regions like Yirgacheffe, Sidamo, and Harrar produce coffees with floral aromas, fruity flavors, and high complexity. Ethiopia also has a unique trading system called the Ethiopia Commodity Exchange (ECX), which helps stabilize prices for smallholder farmers.

Besides being a coffee producer, Ethiopia is important in research and preservation of Arabica coffee’s genetic diversity.

Production Comparison in 2024

Country	Annual Production (in million 60kg bags)	Main Coffee Type	Notable Characteristics
Brazil	63 million	Arabica	Large-scale production, global exports
Vietnam	29 million	Robusta	Major supplier of instant coffee
Colombia	12 million	Arabica	Complex flavor and fragrant aroma
Indonesia	11 million	Arabica & Robusta	Flavor diversity and various post-harvest methods
Ethiopia	8 million	Arabica	Wild genetics and unique flavor complexity

Indonesia Must Be Bolder in the Global Coffee Market

With its wealth of varieties, tropical climate, and strong coffee culture, Indonesia has great potential to compete in the global specialty coffee market. The main challenges lie in improving quality, packaging, digital promotion, and access to export markets.