Monitoring weather conditions in these key regions through platforms like Windy.com can help us stay updated on factors that may influence global Robusta coffee supply and prices.

The below areas collectively contribute to a significant portion of global Robusta production, making them critical to track for anyone involved in the coffee market. understanding these regions, monitoring weather patterns, and tracking market trends, stakeholders can make informed decisions in the global coffee trade.

Brazil

1. Espírito Santo:

• Production: Espírito Santo is Brazil’s largest producer of Robusta coffee, often referred to as Conilon in the country. The state contributes to about 75% of Brazil’s total Robusta production. In recent years, efforts have been made to improve the quality of Conilon, making it a competitive product in the global market.

• Export and Market: In the 2021/2022 season, Brazil’s total coffee exports reached 40 million bags, with Robusta contributing around 15% to this total. Espírito Santo is pivotal in this, exporting both raw and processed coffee to Europe, the United States, and other countries.

• Agronomic Characteristics: The state features a diverse topography with altitudes ranging from 200 to 1,200 meters. The climate is predominantly tropical, with a distinct dry season, which is ideal for Robusta cultivation.

• Challenges and Developments: Espírito Santo has faced challenges like droughts and pests, but technological advances in irrigation and pest management have helped maintain production levels. The region is also investing in research and development to boost productivity and bean quality.

2. Rondônia:

• Production: Rondônia is Brazil’s second-largest Robusta-producing region. It has around 72,000 hectares dedicated to coffee cultivation. The state is characterized by smaller farms, with an average size of 7 hectares, focusing mainly on Robusta.

• Export and Market: Coffee from Rondônia primarily supplies the domestic market and the instant coffee industry. Efforts are being made to establish a name for Rondônia’s Robusta in the specialty coffee sector, though it currently lacks the quality reputation compared to Espírito Santo.

• Agronomic Characteristics: The region’s climate is hot and humid with a pronounced dry season. It is less favorable than Espírito Santo for high-quality Robusta but still capable of producing substantial yields.

• Challenges and Developments: Issues such as soil fertility and pest management are prevalent. However, improved agricultural practices and government support programs are helping to enhance productivity and profitability for farmers.

3. Bahia:

• Production: Although traditionally known for Arabica, Bahia has been increasing its Robusta production, particularly in the western and southern parts of the state. The use of irrigation and mechanization has led to higher productivity and consistent bean quality.

• Export and Market: Bahia’s coffee is primarily consumed domestically, but there is a growing push to enter the specialty and export markets. The state is experimenting with different cultivation techniques to improve the flavor profile of its Robusta beans.

• Agronomic Characteristics: Bahia’s coffee farms are typically larger and more technologically advanced than those in Espírito Santo and Rondônia. The region benefits from a warm climate with regular rainfall, which supports high yields and good bean quality.

• Challenges and Developments: Water management and climate variability are ongoing challenges. However, innovative irrigation techniques and the introduction of drought-resistant coffee varieties are helping to mitigate these issues.

Vietnam

1. Đắk Lắk

• Production: Đắk Lắk is the leading coffee-producing province in Vietnam, contributing nearly 30% of the country’s total coffee production. The region’s Robusta beans are known for their earthy and nutty flavor profile.

• Export and Market: The province exported over 1.3 million tons of coffee in the 2020/2021 season, mainly to Europe and the United States. Đắk Lắk’s Robusta is highly sought after for its consistency and quality, making it a key player in the global market.

• Agronomic Characteristics: The province has a favorable altitude of 400-800 meters and a tropical monsoon climate, with a distinct rainy season from May to November and a dry season from December to April. The soil is rich in basalt, which is ideal for coffee cultivation.

• Challenges and Developments: Issues such as water scarcity, aging coffee trees, and low profitability have been challenges for Đắk Lắk’s coffee farmers. However, the introduction of drought-resistant coffee varieties and improved farming practices are helping to sustain production levels.

2. Lâm Đồng

• Production: Lâm Đồng is known for both Arabica and Robusta production, with Robusta being predominant. The province contributes significantly to the country’s total Robusta output, producing about 250,000 tons annually.

• Export and Market: Lâm Đồng’s coffee is mainly exported to European countries, especially Germany, and Italy, as well as the United States. The region’s coffee is often blended with other origins to achieve a balanced flavor profile in commercial blends.

• Agronomic Characteristics: The coffee-growing areas in Lâm Đồng are located at altitudes ranging from 800 to 1,000 meters. The cool climate and fertile volcanic soil contribute to the unique flavor profile of its Robusta beans, characterized by low acidity and a heavy body.

• Challenges and Developments: The province has been focusing on sustainable farming practices and improving bean quality to enhance its competitiveness in the specialty coffee market.

3. Gia Lai

• Production: Gia Lai produces around 150,000 tons of Robusta coffee annually, making it one of the top Robusta-producing provinces in Vietnam. The region’s coffee is known for its full-bodied flavor with notes of dark chocolate.

• Export and Market: Most of Gia Lai’s coffee is exported to European and Asian markets. The province has been increasing its market share in the global coffee trade through quality improvements and certification programs.

• Agronomic Characteristics: The coffee farms in Gia Lai are located at altitudes of 600-800 meters. The region has a tropical climate with two distinct seasons, similar to other Central Highlands provinces, which is suitable for high-yield Robusta cultivation.

• Challenges and Developments: Farmers in Gia Lai face challenges such as fluctuating coffee prices and high production costs. The local government has been promoting diversification and the use of advanced agricultural techniques to improve productivity and profitability.

4. Đắk Nông

• Production: Đắk Nông is a significant contributor to Vietnam’s Robusta production, with an annual output of about 120,000 tons. The region is known for its robust flavor profile and relatively high caffeine content.

• Export and Market: The province’s coffee is primarily exported to traditional markets like Germany, Spain, and Italy. Efforts are being made to penetrate new markets by improving quality and obtaining sustainability certifications.

• Agronomic Characteristics: Đắk Nông has altitudes ranging from 500 to 800 meters and a climate that is ideal for coffee production, with a well-defined dry season that helps in the drying process. The basalt-rich soil further enhances the quality of the beans.

• Challenges and Developments: The province has been facing challenges related to land degradation and water management. Projects focusing on sustainable farming practices and reforestation are being implemented to address these issues.

5. Kon Tum

• Production: Kon Tum, while smaller in scale compared to other provinces, still contributes significantly to the country’s Robusta output, with an annual production of around 70,000 tons.

• Export and Market: The province’s coffee is mostly exported to Asian and European markets. Kon Tum has been focusing on improving its reputation by enhancing the quality of its Robusta beans through better farming practices.

• Agronomic Characteristics: The coffee plantations are situated at altitudes between 400 and 700 meters. The region has a tropical monsoon climate, and the fertile soil supports high-yield cultivation.

• Challenges and Developments: The main challenges include market volatility and low prices. Efforts are being made to support farmers through training and access to better farming inputs.

Export and Import Data

• Vietnam’s Robusta Exports: Vietnam exported approximately 1.65 million tons of Robusta coffee in the 2020/2021 season, making it the largest exporter of Robusta globally. Major destinations include Europe (Germany, Italy, and Spain), the United States, and Asia (Japan, China, and South Korea).

• Economic Contribution: Coffee is one of Vietnam’s key agricultural exports, contributing around 3% to the country’s GDP. The coffee sector employs over 2 million people, predominantly in the Central Highlands.

Indonesia

1. Sumatra (Lampung and Bengkulu):

• Production: Sumatra is Indonesia’s main Robusta-producing island, with Lampung and Bengkulu being the leading provinces. Together, these regions account for around 70% of the country’s total Robusta output. The farms are generally small, averaging 1-2 hectares.

• Export and Market: Lampung is the primary export hub for Indonesian Robusta, with the coffee mainly shipped to Europe, the United States, and Japan. The region’s Robusta is known for its earthy, chocolatey flavor profile, which is popular in blends and instant coffee products.

• Agronomic Characteristics: The terrain is hilly, with altitudes typically ranging from 400 to 700 meters. The climate is tropical, with significant rainfall and a dry season suitable for Robusta cultivation.

• Challenges and Developments: Farmers face issues such as low productivity and inconsistent quality due to traditional farming methods. However, initiatives are underway to provide training and access to better farming inputs to improve yields and quality.

2. Java (East Java):

• Production: Java produces both Robusta and Arabica, with East Java being a significant Robusta-growing region. The province has been focusing on improving the quality of its Robusta to cater to the specialty market.

• Export and Market: Most of East Java’s Robusta is consumed domestically, though there is a growing export market, especially to Europe and the Middle East. The region is known for its distinctive spicy and woody flavor notes.

• Agronomic Characteristics: The farms are located at lower altitudes compared to those in Sumatra, typically below 500 meters. The climate is conducive to Robusta production, with adequate rainfall and a consistent dry season.

• Challenges and Developments: Quality inconsistency and aging coffee trees are major challenges. Replanting programs and the introduction of higher-quality clones are part of ongoing efforts to revitalize the industry.

3. Sulawesi (South Sulawesi):

• Production: While Sulawesi is primarily known for its Arabica coffee, South Sulawesi also produces Robusta. The production here is relatively small compared to Sumatra and Java, but it is gradually growing.

• Export and Market: Most of South Sulawesi’s Robusta is consumed within Indonesia, with small quantities being exported to niche markets. The beans have a unique flavor profile, often described as nutty and sweet.

• Agronomic Characteristics: The region has diverse topography, with both lowland and highland areas. The climate is tropical, with a well-defined rainy and dry season, ideal for Robusta cultivation.

• Challenges and Developments: The region faces similar challenges to other Robusta-producing areas in Indonesia, such as low productivity and quality issues. Efforts are being made to introduce better farming practices and improve infrastructure to support coffee farmers.

By understanding these regions, monitoring weather patterns, and tracking market trends, stakeholders can make informed decisions in the global coffee trade.