Coffee price index (Robusta)

Coffee price index (Robusta)

This post is a summary of the Coffee price index (Robusta) developments since 2005 as per the IMF. The developments are expressed as an index and not in absolute terms. Therefore the Coffee price index (Robusta) means that the values provided are relative to Jan 1 2019 which is defined as 1.00.

Further information on the Robust Coffee price index

What types of coffee beans are there

There are many types of coffee, which can be broadly classified into two main categories: arabica and robusta.

Arabica

Arabica is the most widely consumed type of coffee and accounts for about 75% of global production. It is a high-quality, mild-flavored coffee that is grown at high altitudes in regions such as Central and South America, Africa, and the Middle East. Arabica beans are oval-shaped and have a smooth, rounded flavor.

Robusta

Robusta is the second most widely consumed type of coffee and accounts for about 25% of global production. It is a lower-quality, bitter-tasting coffee that is grown at lower altitudes in regions such as Africa and Asia. Robusta beans are round and have a stronger, more bitter flavor than arabica beans.

Which countries produce the most coffee

Coffee is grown in many countries around the world, with the majority of production concentrated in developing countries in the tropics. According to the International Coffee Organization, the top five coffee-producing countries in 2020 were:

Brazil

Brazil was the largest producer of coffee in 2020, with an estimated output of 2.9 million metric tons.

Vietnam

Vietnam was the second-largest producer of coffee, with an estimated output of 2.3 million metric tons.

Colombia

Colombia was the third-largest producer of coffee, with an estimated output of 1.1 million metric tons.

Indonesia

Indonesia was the fourth-largest producer of coffee, with an estimated output of 939,000 metric tons.

Ethiopia

Ethiopia was the fifth-largest producer of coffee, with an estimated output of 715,000 metric tons.

Other significant coffee-producing countries include Mexico, Peru, and Honduras. Overall, coffee is an important agricultural commodity that is grown in many countries around the world and is a major source of income for millions of small farmers and their families.

How big is the global coffee market

The global coffee market is large and growing, with demand driven by the widespread popularity of coffee as a beverage. According to a report by Mordor Intelligence, the global coffee market was valued at approximately USD 148.3 billion in 2020 and is expected to reach USD 186.7 billion by 2025, at a compound annual growth rate of 4.5%.

The Asia-Pacific region is the largest market for coffee, followed by Europe and North America. The growth in the Asia-Pacific region is driven by the increasing demand for specialty and premium coffee, while the demand in Europe and North America is driven by the growing popularity of single-serve coffee makers and coffee shops.

Overall, the demand for coffee is likely to remain strong in the coming years due to the widespread popularity of the beverage and the growing demand for specialty and premium coffee products. However, the coffee market is subject to fluctuations in price and supply due to factors such as weather conditions, disease outbreaks, and economic conditions in coffee-producing countries.

Further information

• IMF.org source publication
• Wikipedia for general background notes