Top 20 Coffee Producing Countries

Coffee producing countries are nations that cultivate, harvest, and process coffee beans for domestic use and global export. Major coffee-producing countries are located in Latin America, Asia, and Africa, according to the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) Crop Statistics 2021. Latin America, including Brazil, Colombia, Mexico, Honduras, Guatemala, and Peru, produces 55.5% of the world’s coffee and 80% of the world’s Arabica coffee. Each country produces different coffee bean varieties, uses unique farming practices, and applies specific harvesting and processing methods to grow coffee. Brazil leads global coffee production. Most coffee grows in the "Coffee Belt," a region near the equator between 25°N and 30°S. Most European countries don't produce coffee.

The table lists the top 20 coffee-producing countries, their growing regions, and their percentage of global coffee production.

1. Brazil

Brazil is the world's largest coffee producer, responsible for about one-third of global production, according to the USDA Foreign Agricultural Service. In the 2024/2025 marketing year, Brazil is projected to produce 69.9 million 60-kilogram bags of coffee. The top coffee-producing regions in Brazil are Minas Gerais, São Paulo, and Paraná. Brazil primarily produces Arabica and Robusta coffee beans. The main coffee varietals grown in Brazil include Mundo Novo, Catuaí, Bourbon, and Typica.

In Brazil, common coffee farming practices include shaded cultivation with banana or leguminous trees and intercropping with crops like corn or beans. Harvesting occurs between May and September using methods like selective picking, which targets ripe cherries, and strip picking, which strips entire branches. The most common coffee processing methods are natural, where cherries are dried whole, and pulped natural, where part of the fruit is removed before drying. Brazil has been the largest coffee producer and exporter for over 150 years, solidifying its dominance in the global coffee market.

2. Vietnam

Vietnam is the world's second-largest coffee producer and the leading producer of Robusta coffee, accounting for approximately 40% of global production, according to the International Coffee Organization. In the 2022/2023 crop year, Vietnam produced 29.75 million 60-kg bags of coffee, according to the USDA Foreign Agricultural Service. The Central Highlands region, including Dak Lak, Lam Dong, and Gia Lai provinces, dominates production, generating over 90% of Vietnam's coffee output.

Robusta and Arabica are Vietnam's primary coffee beans, with Robusta making up over 95% of total production. Key varietals include TR4, TR9, and SE1 for Robusta, and Catimor for Arabica, according to the Centre for the Promotion of Imports from Developing Countries (CBI). Full-sun cultivation is the most common farming practice in Vietnam, though some farms use shade trees. Ripe coffee cherries are selectively handpicked, a labor-intensive process. Vietnam's coffee harvest season typically spans from October to December, with some regional variations. Natural (dry) processing, where cherries are dried whole in the sun, is the most common method, according to the CBI.

3. Colombia

Colombia is globally recognized as a leading producer of high-quality Arabica coffee. In 2022, Colombia produced 11.1 million 60-kg bags of coffee, making it the third-largest coffee producer in the world, after Brazil and Vietnam (ICO, 2023). The majority of Colombian coffee is grown in the "Coffee Cultural Landscape," a region in the Andes mountains known for its ideal coffee-growing conditions. The main types of coffee beans produced in Colombia are Arabica, with the most common varietals being Caturra, Castillo, Colombia, and Typica.

Colombian coffee farmers typically cultivate their crops on small family farms, using traditional methods such as hand-picking ripe cherries during the main harvest seasons, which run from October to December and April to June. The most common processing method is washed processing, which involves removing the fruit pulp before drying the beans. This method contributes to the clean and bright flavors characteristic of Colombian coffee beans.

4. Indonesia

Indonesia, the world’s fourth-largest coffee producing country, produces approximately 700,000 metric tons annually, according to World Coffee Research (WCR, 2023). Indonesia's diverse geography and climate create ideal conditions for coffee cultivation. The top coffee-producing regions in Indonesia are Sumatra, Java, and Sulawesi. Indonesia produces four main types of coffee beans: Arabica, Robusta, Liberica, and Excelsa. Key Indonesian coffee varietals grown include Typica, Bourbon, Catimor, and Caturra.

In Indonesia, coffee farming relies on smallholder farms and shaded cultivation. Harvesting methods commonly include hand-picking and selective picking. Indonesia's coffee harvest season varies by region but typically occurs between April and October. Common processing methods include wet-hulling (Giling Basah) and dry-hulling. Indonesia's unique processing methods create distinctive coffee flavors characterized by full body, low acidity, and earthy or spicy notes.

5. Ethiopia

Ethiopia is the 5th largest coffee producer globally, contributing to about 3-5% of the world's coffee production, according to the USDA Foreign Agricultural Service (2023). Ethiopia is the world’s fifth-largest coffee producer, contributing 3-5% of global coffee production (USDA Foreign Agricultural Service, 2023). As the birthplace of Arabica coffee, Ethiopia produces around 7.5 million 60-kg bags annually. Ethiopia’s top coffee-growing regions are Sidamo, Yirgacheffe, and Harrar. The country primarily produces Arabica coffee beans, with main varietals including Typica, Heirloom, and Bourbon.

Most Ethiopian coffee farms use traditional practices like shade-grown and organic farming, according to the Ethiopian Coffee and Tea Authority (2023). Coffee beans are primarily harvested by handpicking, ensuring only ripe cherries are selected. The coffee harvest season in Ethiopia typically occurs from October to December, depending on the region and altitude. The most common methods for processing Ethiopian coffee beans include natural and washed processing.

6. Uganda

Uganda is one of the Africa's leading coffee producer, with an annual output of 6.13 million bags (UCDA, 2023). The top coffee-producing regions include Central, Western, South-Western, Northern, and Eastern Uganda. Uganda produces both Arabica and Robusta coffee beans, with Robusta making up over 80% of its production, according to the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations. Uganda's main coffee varietals include SL14, SL28, and KP423 for Arabica, and Nganda and Erecta for Robusta, according to the National Agricultural Research Organization (NARO) Uganda.

Most Ugandan coffee beans are cultivated using traditional farming practices, often intercropped with other crops. A 2011 study from International Institute of Tropical Agriculture in Uganda found that growing coffee and bananas together (intercropping) is more profitable than growing either crop alone (monocropping). The most common methods for harvesting coffee beans in Uganda are handpicking and selective picking. The most common methods for processing coffee beans in Uganda are wet processing and dry processing, with some farmers also using honey processing, according to the Coffee Quality Institute.

7. India

India is the world's seventh-largest coffee producer, known for its shade-grown coffee and unique flavor profiles. India produces approximately 350,000 metric tons of coffee annually, according to the Coffee Board of India. The top coffee-producing regions in India are Karnataka, Kerala, and Tamil Nadu. The main types of coffee beans produced in India are Arabica and Robusta.

The main coffee bean varietals grown in India include Kent, S.795, and Cauvery. The most common farming practices for coffee beans in India involve shade-growing, intercropping with spices, and organic farming methods. The two common harvesting methods for Indian coffee beans are hand-picking and selective picking. The harvest season for coffee in India typically occurs between November and March. Following harvest, the beans undergo either wet or dry processing.

8. Honduras

Honduras is the largest coffee producer in Central America and the 8th largest in the world, according to the International Coffee Organization (ICO) in 2023. In the 2023-2024 coffee year, Honduras produced an estimated 5.50 million 60-kg bags of coffee, according to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA, 2024). Honduras primarily produces Arabica coffee, which accounts for nearly all its output. Main coffee varietals include Typica, Bourbon, Caturra, Catuai, and Pacas, according to World Coffee Research (2024).

Shade-grown cultivation on small to medium-sized farms is the most common coffee farming practice in Honduras, according to the Specialty Coffee Association (2022). Handpicking is the primary harvesting method in Honduras, ensuring only ripe cherries are selected. The harvest season for Honduran coffee typically runs from October to March. Common processing methods include washed and honey processing, with some use of natural and pulped natural methods.

9. Peru

Peru is the world's leading exporter of certified Fair Trade and organic Arabica coffee, according to World Coffee Research. In 2023, Peru exported 4.20 million bags of coffee, making it the 9th largest coffee producer in the world (United States Department of Agriculture). The top coffee-growing regions in Peru are Junín, San Martín, Cajamarca, and Amazonas.

Peru is known for its Arabica coffee beans, with Typica, Caturra, Bourbon, and Catimor being the dominant varietals. Cultivation typically occurs on smallholder farms, where the Peruvian coffee is grown under shade and often organically. From May to September, farmers carefully handpick the ripe cherries. The beans are then processed, most commonly using washed or honey methods.

10. Mexico

Mexico is one of the top 10 exporters of coffee in the world. In 2023, Mexico produced 4.09 million bags of coffee, according to the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations. The top coffee-growing regions in Mexico are Chiapas, Veracruz, Puebla, and Oaxaca. Mexico primarily produces Arabica coffee beans, known for their smooth flavor and aroma. Key coffee varietals grown in Mexico include Typica, Bourbon, Caturra, and Mundo Novo.

Shade-grown cultivation and organic farming are the most common coffee production practices in Mexico, according to the Specialty Coffee Association. Farmers in Mexico ensure ripeness by relying on selective handpicking during the harvest season, typically from September to March. Washed and honey processing are the most common methods used to process the Mexican coffee beans.

11. Guatemala

Guatemala, known for its high-quality Arabica beans, produced 3.42 million 60-kg bags of coffee in 2023, according to the International Coffee Organization. The top coffee growing regions in Guatemala include Antigua, Acatenango Valley, Atitlán, Cobán, Huehuetenango, Fraijanes Plateau, Nuevo Oriente, and San Marcos.

Guatemala primarily produces Arabica coffee beans, with the main types being Bourbon, Caturra, Catuai, Maragogype, Pacamara, Pache, and Typica. These coffee varietals are cultivated using traditional farming practices, often with shade-grown and organic methods, and harvested by hand, typically between November and March. Guatemalan coffee is typically processed using washed, honey, or natural methods.

12. Nicaragua

Nicaragua is a significant coffee-producing country in Central America, known for its high-quality Arabica beans. The country of Nicaragua produces approximately 2.66 million 60-kilogram bags of coffee annually, according to the USDA Foreign Agricultural Service, as of August 2023. The top coffee-producing regions in Nicaragua are Jinotega, Matagalpa, and Nueva Segovia, which together account for 85% of the country's Arabica coffee production.

Nicaragua primarily produces Arabica coffee, comprising 98% of its output, with Robusta making up 2%. Main varietals include Caturra, Bourbon, Maracaturra, Maragogype, Pacamara, Catuaí, and Catimor. Most Nicaraguan coffee farmers use traditional shade-grown cultivation on small farms under 3 hectares, representing half of the country's coffee farms. The harvesting of coffee cherries in Nicaragua is predominantly done by hand. The coffee harvest season in Nicaragua typically occurs from December to March. The washed process is the most common method for processing Nicaraguan coffee beans.

13. China

China is currently the 13th largest coffee producer in the world, with Yunnan province being responsible for 98% of the nation's coffee production. In the 2022-2023 harvest season, China yielded approximately 1.80 million 60-kilogram bags of coffee, according to data from the USDA Foreign Agricultural Service. The primary coffee-growing areas are located in Yunnan, specifically in the Pu'er and Baoshan prefectures. Arabica is the principal coffee species grown in China, with popular varietals like Catimor, Typica, and Bourbon.

Chinese coffee farms predominantly employ traditional farming techniques, including shade-grown coffee and intercropping with other crops like tea and fruit trees. Harvesting is primarily done by hand, with farmers selectively picking ripe cherries, a labor-intensive method that ensures quality. The harvest season typically spans from October to December. The most common processing method in China is the natural method, where cherries are dried in the sun.

14. Malaysia

Malaysia is a unique coffee-producing country because it is the world leader in growing Liberica coffee beans. In terms of production, Malaysia produces approximately 1.50 million 60-kilogram bags of coffee annually, according to the USDA Foreign Agricultural Service. The top coffee-producing regions in Malaysia are Sabah, Sarawak, and Johor. While Malaysia produces a small amount of Arabica and Robusta, the main types of coffee beans produced are Liberica, known for their full-bodied, smoky, and woody taste.

The main varietals produced in Malaysia are the Liberica varietals. Common farming practices in Malaysia include smallholder cultivation and mixed farming systems, often alongside crops like rubber and tea. Harvesting methods in Malaysia are primarily selective handpicking, ensuring the ripeness of the cherries. The harvest season for coffee in Malaysia typically occurs between June and September. The most common processing method for coffee beans in Malaysia is the wet method.

15. Costa Rica

Costa Rica is a coffee-producing country known for its high-quality Arabica beans. Costa Rica produces approximately 1.44 million bags of coffee annually, according to the USDA Foreign Agricultural Service, which is roughly 1% of the world's coffee production. Costa Rica’s top coffee-producing regions are Tarrazú, Tres Ríos, and Orosi. The main coffee bean types are Caturra and Catuaí, with other common varietals including Villa Sarchi, Typica, and Gesha, according to the Costa Rica Coffee Institute.

Most coffee farms in Costa Rica are small, family-owned operations that use sustainable farming practices. Coffee beans in Costa Rica are typically harvested by hand. The harvest season for coffee in Costa Rica runs from October to March. The most common processing methods for Costa Rican coffee are washed and honey processed. Compared to other coffee-producing countries, Costa Rica is known for its high-quality, specialty-grade coffees that command premium prices in the international market.

16. Côte D'Ivoire

Côte D'Ivoire is a significant West African coffee producer known for its Robusta beans. In the 2020/2021 season, it exported over 1.35 million bags (81,000 tons), according to the International Coffee Organization. Key coffee-producing regions include Moyen Cavally, Mountains, Marahoué, Fromager, and Haut Sassandra. The primary cultivar is 'Kouilou.'

In Côte D'Ivoire, common farming practices involve smallholder farms with limited shade. Harvesting is primarily done by hand, selectively picking ripe cherries. Côte D'Ivoire's main harvest season runs from October to March. The most common processing method is dry processing, where cherries are sun-dried before hulling. Once a leading African coffee producer, Côte D'Ivoire's production has declined due to political instability and low global prices.

17. Tanzania

Tanzania is a country located in East Africa, bordered by Kenya to the northeast, Uganda to the north, and Mozambique to the south. Tanzania is famous for its unique and high-quality Arabica coffee. The country produces between 30,000 to 40,000 metric tons of coffee annually, according to the Coffee Board of Tanzania. The most prominent coffee-growing regions in Tanzania include Kilimanjaro, Arusha, Mbeya, and Ruvuma. Arabica and Robusta are the main types of coffee beans grown in Tanzania. Arabica accounts for 70% of the production, while Robusta makes up 30%. The primary coffee bean varietals cultivated in Tanzania include Bourbon, Kent, N39, and Typica. Tanzanian Peaberry coffee is a rare specialty variety.

Most coffee farms in Tanzania use traditional farming practices, including small-scale cultivation, shade-grown coffee, and limited agrochemical use, according to the Tanzania Coffee Research Institute (TaCRI). In Tanzania, coffee harvesting is predominantly manual, with farmers selectively picking ripe cherries to ensure quality. The harvest season typically runs from July to December, depending on region and altitude. Washed and natural processes are the most common coffee processing methods.

18. Papua New Guinea

Papua New Guinea is a significant Pacific coffee producer known for its high-quality Arabica beans. It accounts for about 1% of global coffee production, totaling roughly 900,000 60-kg bags annually, according to the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD). Papua New Guinea's top coffee-growing regions are the Eastern Highlands, Western Highlands, and Simbu provinces, known for their ideal climates and volcanic soil. The country mainly produces Arabica beans, with small amounts of Robusta. The primary varietals include Typica, Bourbon, and Arusha.

Most coffee farms in Papua New Guinea are smallholder operations that use organic and sustainable practices. Farmers handpick coffee beans, selectively choosing only ripe cherries. The main harvest season runs from April to September. Washed processing is the most common method in Papua New Guinea. The country’s coffee is known for its distinctive flavor profiles, often described as fruity and floral with hints of chocolate.

19. Kenya

Kenya produces about 46,500 metric tons of coffee each year, according to the USDA. This is roughly 0.5% of the world's coffee production. Kenya is known for its excellent Arabica coffee. Kiambu, Murang'a, Kirinyaga, Nyeri, and Embu are Kenya's top coffee regions. These areas grow Arabica coffee beans known for their bright acidity and complex flavors. The main types are SL-28, SL-34, Ruiru 11, and Batian, each with a unique flavor.

Kenyan coffee farmers commonly employ sustainable practices like organic farming and intercropping with shade trees. The most common harvesting method in Kenya is selective handpicking, ensuring only ripe cherries are picked. The main harvest season for coffee in Kenya is from October to December. The most common processing method is washed processing, producing clean and bright flavors.

20. Thailand

Thailand is a significant coffee producer, ranking 20th globally, according to the Food and Agriculture Organization's (FAO) 2023 report. The country produces around 750,000 bags of coffee annually, with a yield of 980 kilograms per hectare. While a relatively small producer compared to other nations, Thailand is renowned for its high-quality Arabica beans, particularly those grown in the northern regions of Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai. Other key coffee-growing areas include Chumphon and Surat Thani in the south.

Thai coffee farmers cultivate a variety of beans, including Arabica and Robusta, with popular varietals like Typica, Catimor, Bourbon, and Pacamara. Most coffee is shade-grown or intercropped, and harvesting, which occurs between November and March, is typically done by hand. Both wet and dry processing methods are used.

Which Country Produces the Most Coffee?

Brazil is the country that produces and exports the most coffee overall, particularly Arabica beans. Brazil has dominated the world's coffee production for the last 150 year, since mid 1800s. In 2019, the top three coffee-producing countries were Brazil (3,009,402 tonnes), Vietnam (1,683,971 tonnes), and Colombia (885,120 tonnes), according to FAOSTAT. Brazil accounts for approximately 30% of global coffee exports. Country that produces the most Robusta coffee is Vietnam. In January 2024, it shipped 3.77 million 60-kg bags, a 66% jump from January 2023. Liberia, Zambia, and the United States had the lowest coffee production that year.

Where is Coffee Grown?

The majority of coffee is grown within the 'Bean Belt' or 'Coffee Belt,' a region located between 25 degrees North (25°N) and 30 degrees South (30°S) of the Equator. This area provides the ideal climate for coffee production, with mild temperatures, ample rainfall, and specific soil conditions. Coffee is grown in over 50 countries around the world, in regions such as North America, the Caribbean Islands, Central America, South America, East and West Africa, the Middle East, Asia, and Oceania.

In the North America, Hawaii is the only state where coffee is grown and commercially cultivated. In Hawaii, coffee is grown in districts such as Kona, Ka'u, Puna, Hamakua, Maui, Kauai, O'ahu, and Molokai, across approximately 3,200 hectares. The state produces around 7,484 tonnes of coffee annually, with Kona coffee being the most famous variety.

In Caribbean Islands, coffee is grown and commercially cultivated in Puerto Rico, Jamaica, Cuba, and the Dominican Republic. Puerto Rico is known for its high-quality beans, especially Bourbon, Typica, Pacas, and Catimor varieties. Jamaica is famous for its Blue Mountain coffee, grown in a unique region with a special microclimate. All four islands use similar farming practices. Shade-grown coffee is common, and many farms focus on sustainable and organic methods.

In Central America, coffee is grown in six countries including Honduras, Guatemala, Nicaragua, Costa Rica, El Salvador, and Panama. Together, these countries produce approximately 14.4 million 60-kg bags of coffee annually. Honduras is the largest producer in the region, accounting for a significant portion of the total coffee output.

In South America, coffee production totals 83.17 million 60-kg bags annually. Brazil leads the continent with 66.4 million bags, followed by Colombia, Peru, Venezuela, Ecuador, and Bolivia.

In Africa, over 20 countries commercially produced approximately 1,058,900 tons of coffee in 2019, according to the USDA Foreign Agricultural Service. Major producers include Ethiopia, Uganda, Côte d'Ivoire, Kenya, Tanzania, Cameroon, and Rwanda. In Burundi, coffee is particularly vital, accounting for nearly 40% of export revenue and supporting the livelihoods of 8 million people.

In the Middle East, coffee production is limited, with countries like Yemen contributing small amounts to the global market. However, the region is not a major player in the industry.

In Asia, Vietnam, Indonesia, India, and China lead coffee production, contributing significantly to the continent's total output of approximately 41.26 million 60-kg bags. Other notable producers include Malaysia, Thailand, the Philippines, and Laos.

In Oceania, Papua New Guinea is the main contributor to coffee production. Papua New Guinea produced 900,000 60-kg bags.

Many countries within the coffee belt, such as Honduras and Guatemala, have economies that depend heavily on growing coffee. Growing coffee in countries like Colombia, Brazil, and Vietnam is possible because the climate is ideal for coffee cultivation. Coffee is typically grown at varying altitudes, usually between 800 and 2,000 meters above sea level.

Which Countries are Part of the Coffee Belt?

The Coffee Belt includes over 50 countries, including Brazil, Colombia, Vietnam, Indonesia, Ethiopia, Kenya, Costa Rica, and Guatemala. The term "coffee belt" refers to the horizontal band encircling the globe, between the Tropics of Cancer and Capricorn, roughly 25° north and 30° south of the equator, where coffee cultivation thrives. It’s called a “belt” because it visually represents a continuous, band-like geographic region stretching around the Earth.

What Country has the Best Coffee Beans?

Ethiopia is often considered the country with the best coffee beans. Ethiopia, the birthplace of coffee, offers unique flavors like fruity and floral notes, especially in regions like Yirgacheffe and Sidamo. The country's rich soil and diverse coffee varieties create these flavors. Ethiopia's natural and dry processing methods enhance the beans' unique traits, creating fruity, wine-like acidity and deep aromatic profiles that stand out from other coffees.

Where to Buy the Best Coffee Beans in the World?

Some of the best coffee beans in the world can be purchased from specialty coffee brands like Volcanica Coffee, Stumptown Coffee Roasters, and Colipse Coffee. These brands offer a wide variety of single-origin coffee beans from renowned coffee-producing countries like Ethiopia, Colombia, and Tanzania. Colipse Coffee, for example, sells the world's best single-origin specialty coffees, including rare Ethiopian Sidamo, Tanzania Peaberry, and Indonesian Bali Blue Moon, freshly roasted to order. You can buy best coffee beans in the world from Colipse.

What Country has the Strongest Coffee?

Vietnam produces the strongest coffee, particularly from the Buôn Ma Thuột region. This coffee, made from 100% shade-grown peaberry Robusta beans, has a caffeine content of around 2.5%, nearly double that of Arabica beans. The high caffeine level and intense flavor make Robusta beans ideal for producing the strongest coffee.

What Country Drinks the Most Coffee?

Finland takes the crown for the highest coffee consumption per capita, with each person drinking approximately 4 cups of coffee daily, according to the International Coffee Organization in 2020. Although coffee originated in Ethiopia and is a major export for many countries, it's in Finland where it's truly a staple beverage. The Finnish even have two 10-15 minute coffee breaks required by labor laws, highlighting the importance of coffee in their culture. While countries like the United States and Brazil have higher overall consumption, Finland's per capita consumption is unmatched.

Which Countries Do Not Produce Coffee?

Many European countries do not produce coffee. While countries in Europe such as Italy, Turkey, Greece, Austria, and France, are famous for their coffee culture and diverse coffee drinks like espresso, Café au Lait, or Frappe, most do not commercially grow coffee beans themselves. Spain is a notable exception, although its production is limited.

Coffee cannot grow in cold climates, which makes large-scale outdoor cultivation unfeasible in regions like Kentucky, Virginia, Georgia, Illinois, Tennessee, or North Carolina due to their colder winters and occasional frosts. However, limited cultivation might be possible in controlled environments like greenhouses or indoors.