Coffee Production in Brazil
Brazil is the world’s largest producer and exporter of coffee, accounting for about 35–40% of global coffee output. Coffee has been a cornerstone of Brazil’s economy, culture, and rural development for over two centuries.
Historical Background
Introduction: Coffee was introduced to Brazil in the early 18th century, around 1727, in the northern state of Pará.
Expansion: By the 19th century, coffee plantations had spread to the Southeast, particularly São Paulo, Minas Gerais, and Rio de Janeiro, which became the heart of Brazil’s coffee economy.
Economic role: Coffee exports financed Brazil’s infrastructure, urbanization, and industrial growth in the late 1800s and early 1900s.
Main Coffee-Growing Regions
Minas Gerais – Largest coffee-producing state (~50% of national output). Known for high-quality Arabica beans grown at high altitudes.
São Paulo – Traditional coffee region with mechanized farms.
Espírito Santo – Major producer of Robusta (Conilon) and some Arabica.
Bahia – Rapidly developing region with modern irrigation and technology.
Paraná – Historical producer, though output declined due to frost and diversification.
Types of Coffee Produced
Arabica (Coffea arabica) – About 75–80% of production. Known for superior flavor and used in specialty coffees.
Robusta (Coffea canephora / Conilon) – Roughly 20–25%. Grown mainly in Espírito Santo, Rondônia, and Bahia, used in instant coffee and blends.
Climate and Production Conditions
Altitude: 800–1,200 meters for Arabica, 200–800 meters for Robusta.
Climate: Tropical and subtropical with distinct wet and dry seasons, ideal for coffee flowering and maturation.
Harvest season: May to September, depending on the region.
Production Practices
Highly mechanized in regions like Cerrado Mineiro and São Paulo.
Small and medium-sized farms still play a major role, particularly in family-based agriculture.
Increasing use of sustainable and traceable practices (e.g., Rainforest Alliance, Fairtrade certifications).
Economic Importance
Brazilian exports: Over 35 million 60-kg bags annually (Arabica and Robusta combined).
Top destinations: U.S., Germany, Italy, Japan, and Belgium.
Coffee supports millions of rural jobs, both directly and indirectly.
Current Trends and Challenges
Climate change: Rising temperatures and irregular rainfall threaten yields and quality.
Sustainability efforts: Adoption of agroforestry, water conservation, and carbon-neutral farming.
Specialty coffee growth: Expanding domestic and export markets for high-quality, traceable beans.
Price volatility: Influenced by global supply-demand balance and currency fluctuations (Brazilian real vs. U.S. dollar).
Summary
Brazil’s coffee industry combines centuries of tradition with modern technology, making it a global leader in both volume and innovation. While challenges like climate variability and market fluctuations persist, the country continues to adapt, emphasizing quality, sustainability, and competitiveness.
Recent Statistics
Exports
In the calendar year 2024, Brazil exported ~ 50.44 million 60-kg bags of coffee — up about 28.5% vs. 2023. (Rio Times Online)
Export revenue for the 2024/25 crop year (July 2024 to June 2025) hit ~ US$14.728 billion, a ~49.5% increase from the previous year. (DatamarNews)
Of the 45.589 million export bags in 2024/25, ~76.4% were Arabica, ~14.4% were canephora/Robusta, and ~9.1% soluble/other processed types. (DatamarNews)
Production Outlook
The crop year 2025/26 is forecast to see a decline in total output: one estimate sets production at ~62.8 million bags (~6.4% down) due to adverse weather. (Reuters)
Within that, Arabica is forecasted to drop significantly (~13.6% down), while Robusta might increase (~7.3% up) under some scenarios. (Reuters)
Key Coffee-Growing Regions
Some of the important regions include:
Minas Gerais – Brazil’s largest producer of Arabica, high altitude, major part of national output.
Espírito Santo – Leading in canephora/“Conilon” production (Robusta class) in Brazil.
Bahia & São Paulo – Also significant, with mechanized farms and expansion in production.
