Neither the US nor the UK makes the list of the top 20 coffee consumers, falling behind the likes of Croatia, France and Lithuania. Nordic countries also make up the rest of the top five, perhaps needing a cup to get through the cold days. The Netherlands has the highest volume of coffee sales per capita. Finland and Denmark followed with sales reaching 7.99 kilograms and 6.88 kilograms respectively. Production of robusta dominates at 94%, with arabica making up just 6%.
Coffee production worldwide from 2003/04 to 2022/23 (in million 60 kilogram bags)*
It was once overlooked due to poor infrastructure, but now, its coffee is known for quality and unique flavors18. Most top coffee producers are in the tropics, where the climate is perfect for coffee13. But coffee is grown in over 50 countries, each adding its own flavor to the global market13.
- Even with the threat of climate change, which could cut yields by up to 70%20, Ethiopia remains a key player in coffee production.
- Heavy use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides have also damaged soil health.
- Today, Honduras is the largest coffee producing country in Central America.
- But, in any case, people have been consuming coffee in Ethiopia since before the rest of the world had even heard of it.
The 5 Countries That Produce the Most Coffee
The main coffee-growing regions in Colombia run roughly southwest to northeast, to the east of the Cordillera Oriental mountains. To the west of these mountains is dense jungle, not suitable land for coffee farming. The eighth-largest producer of coffee in the world is Uganda, which produces almost 340,000 metric tons of coffee in a single year.
Uganda also cultivates Arabica beans — which were introduced from Ethiopia — around the slopes of Mount Elgon. Brazil leads the world in coffee production, making up 29% of global output. India’s coffee farms often grow coffee under shade with other fruits and spices. This method is good for the environment and helps protect biodiversity. The French brought coffee to Vietnam in the 19th century, and it quickly took off9.
World Coffee Production by Country
Ethiopia has placed as the fifth largest coffee producer since at least 2019. This African country is often regarded as the birthplace of coffee, its rich tradition of coffee cultivation dating back centuries. Ethiopia is famous for its wide range of coffee varieties, many of which are grown in the highlands of regions like Sidamo, Yirgacheffe, and Harrar. Ethiopian coffee is prized for its complex flavor profiles, often featuring fruity and floral notes with bright acidity. Coffee plays a vital role in the culture and economy of Ethiopia, with smallholder farmers making up the majority of producers.
Nearly all of the coffee beans they produce are the Robusta bean, grown at elevation in the Central Highlands. Now, following a politically tumultuous 20th century, more and more land is being largest producer of coffee in the world dedicated to coffee growing. In fact, Peru is making moves on the largest coffee producers, starting with 62,000 hectares dedicated to coffee farming in 1980 to 95,000 hectares today.
In 1962, coffee production was privatized when Burundi gained independence. This all changed again in 1972 as the political climate in Burundi lurched to and fro. Thanks to the geography and climate of Ecuador, there is great potential to become one of the best coffee countries, producing exceptional whole bean coffee. (Who wouldn’t want to buy coffee from the Galápagos Islands?) It is for this reason that there is increasing investment in coffee.