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Coffee is one of the world’s most consumed beverages. People consume about two billion cups of java every day, according to the British Coffee Association.
While some of the world’s top coffee-producing nations are well-known, others may come as a surprise. More than 50 countries produce coffee, but the majority of global output comes from the top five producers: Brazil, Vietnam, Colombia, Indonesia, and Ethiopia.
Key Takeaways
- Coffee is one of the world’s most popular beverages.
- Brazil is the world’s top coffee producer, followed by Vietnam and Colombia.
- Indonesia and Ethiopia round out the list of top five coffee producers.
1. Brazil
The production of coffee has played a pivotal role in the development of Brazil and continues to be a driving force in the country’s economy. The plant was first brought to Brazil from French Guyana in the early 18th century by a Portuguese military officer. With the rise in popularity of coffee among Europeans, Brazil became the world’s largest producer in the 1840s and has been ever since.
According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), Brazil is expected to produce 66.4 million 60-kilogram bags of coffee in the 2024–2025 marketing year, accounting for 38% of the world’s production.
2. Vietnam
Relatively new to the international coffee trade, Vietnam has quickly become one of the largest producers. In the 1980s, the Communist Party made a big bet on coffee, and production increased by 20% to 30% every year during the 1990s, completely transforming the nation’s economy. Vietnam is expected to produce 30.1 million 60-kilogram bags of coffee in 2024–2025, according to the USDA.
Vietnam found a niche in the international market by focusing primarily on the less-expensive robusta bean. Robusta beans can have up to twice the caffeine as Arabica beans, giving the coffee a more bitter taste. Vietnam is the top producer of robusta coffee in the world. For the 2024–2025 year, 29 million of the country’s expected production of 30.1 million bags will be robusta.
3. Colombia
A popular advertising campaign featuring a fictional coffee farmer named Juan Valdez helped brand Colombia as one of the most famous coffee-producing nations. Colombia is renowned for its quality coffee and is expected to produce 12.9 million 60-kilogram bags of coffee in 2024-2025.
For several years beginning in 2008, Colombian coffee crops were hit by a leaf disease known as coffee rust. Output plummeted but has since rebounded as the country replaced trees with rust-resistant varieties. Colombia ranks second in Arabica production, and millions worldwide prefer its mild, well-balanced flavor.
Fast Fact
Finland has the highest coffee consumption per capita. The country consumes 26 pounds per capita annually. Norway and Denmark followed with per capita consumption of 22 and 20 pounds, respectively.
4. Indonesia
Indonesia’s location and climate have helped it become the third-largest producer of robusta beans in the world. Total production, including robusta and Arabica, is expected to be 10.9 million 60-kilogram bags in the 2024–2025 marketing year. In Indonesia, there are 1.2 million hectares of coffee crops, while small, independent farms account for the vast majority of output, each owning one to two hectares.
Indonesia produces several types of highly sought-after specialty coffees, the most interesting of which is Kopi Luwak. Harvested from the feces of Asian palm civets, the beans have a distinctive and understandably unique flavor. The process of collecting and harvesting the beans is rather intensive, and the result is one of the most expensive coffee beans in the world.
5. Ethiopia
Ethiopia is the fifth-largest producer of coffee. For the 2024–2025 year, it is expected to produce 8.36 million 60-kilogram bags. Ethiopia is the largest coffee producer in Africa, and all the coffee it produces is Arabica.
Which Country Produces the Most Coffee?
Brazil produces more coffee than any other country. In 2024–2025, it is expected to produce 38% of the world’s coffee, which amounts to 66.4 million 60-kilogram bags. It is followed by Vietnam, which is expected to produce 17% of the world’s coffee, amounting to 30.1 million 60-kg bags, and Colombia, which is expected to produce 7% of the world’s coffee, totaling 12.9 million 60-kg bags.
How Much Coffee Will Be Produced in 2024–2025?
Global coffee production is expected to reach 174.86 million 60-kg bags during the 2024–2025 season. This figure is up from 168 million 60-kg bags during the 2023–2024 season.
How Many Cups of Coffee Are Consumed Each Day?
Coffee is one of the most popular beverages in the world. According to the British Coffee Association, as many as two billion cups of coffee are consumed by people each day. Finland is the number one consumer of coffee at 26 pounds annually per capita. The second- and third-largest consumers of coffee are Norway and Denmark at 22 pounds and 20 pounds annually per capita, respectively.
The Bottom Line
Coffee is consumed all around the world and is one of the world’s most popular beverages. Brazil, Vietnam, Colombia, Indonesia, and Ethiopia are the world’s top producers of coffee. The European Union (EU) and the United States are the two largest importers of coffee, expected to import 45 million and 22.3 million 60-kg bags, respectively, during the 2024–2025 season.
