Coffee growing-regions – Where does coffee grow?

Coffee, a delicacy that has taken the world by storm, is made from the fruits of the coffee plant. But where exactly does coffee grow? And what coffee-growing regions exist? In this article, we will take an in-depth look at the various coffee-growing regions worldwide.

Where Does Coffee Grow?

Even for coffee lovers who enjoy their coffee every morning, the question “Where does coffee grow?” is often a mystery. The secret of the origin of our favorite drink is as intriguing as the cup of coffee itself. Coffee is a demanding plant when it comes to the climate in which it thrives. Specific climatic conditions are required for the optimal growth and development of coffee plants.

What Climate Does Coffee Need to Grow?

• Tropical Climate: Coffee thrives best in regions with a tropical climate. This means it should be warm year-round, without extreme temperature fluctuations. Temperatures should average between 15°C and 24°C.
• Rainfall: Coffee requires adequate rainfall to grow. Ideal annual rainfall is about 1500 to 2500 millimeters. It is also important that the rainfall is well-distributed to ensure even watering of the plants.
• Humidity: Coffee thrives in regions with high humidity. The relative humidity should range from 70% to 90% to promote healthy growth.
• Sunlight: Although coffee can tolerate shade, it also needs sufficient sunlight. The plants should receive at least 4 to 6 hours of direct sunlight daily.
• Soil Quality: The soil in which coffee is grown should be well-drained and contain a sufficient amount of nutrients. The soil pH should be in the slightly acidic range between 5.5 and 6.5.

Location of Coffee Growing Regions – What is the Coffee Belt?

The Coffee Belt is a geographical area around the equator that is particularly suitable for growing coffee. Here, the climate is ideal for the coffee plant to thrive beautifully. This belt stretches along the equator between the 25th parallel north and the 25th parallel south. And since this area spans the equator and, thus, our planet, it is referred to as the Coffee Belt.

You can clearly see this on the map below. It is a world map where all coffee-growing regions are colored brown. On the map, you can see that the Coffee Belt spans the globe, exactly at the equator.

What Coffee Growing Regions Exist?

The coffee plant has spread to many parts of the world over time, so it is now grown in many countries within the Coffee Belt. The largest coffee-growing regions are in Central and South America, Africa, and Asia. Latin America is known for its high-quality Arabica coffee varieties. Countries like Colombia, Brazil, and Honduras produce some of the best Arabica beans in the world. The high altitudes and mild climate in this region contribute to the quality of the coffee.

Africa is considered the origin of coffee. There are also some significant producers of Arabica coffee. Southeast Asia, on the other hand, is better known for Robusta coffee. Robusta plants are more resistant to diseases and thrive at lower altitudes, making them particularly popular in these regions. The taste of Robusta (Coffea Canephora) is stronger and earthier compared to Arabica.

In Which Countries is Coffee Grown?

Coffee is grown in many countries worldwide. Unfortunately, when buying coffee, you often don’t find out where the coffee beans actually come from. With Specialty Coffee from Novum Coffee, we want to change that and provide as much information as possible about the origin of the coffee. Here you will learn exactly where the beans come from, and we even tell you which farm they come from.

Coffee comes from many different countries and often has an interesting story. Here are some of the most significant coffee-growing regions:

1. Brazil: Brazil is the largest coffee exporter in the world and known for its diverse coffee varieties.
2. Colombia: Colombia is known for its high-quality Arabica and is recognized worldwide for its quality and taste.
3. Vietnam: Vietnam is one of the largest producers of Robusta. Vietnamese coffee is known for its robust flavor.
4. Ethiopia: As the birthplace of coffee, Ethiopia is famous for its unique Arabica varieties. Here, coffee also grows wild.
5. Costa Rica: Costa Rica is proud of its high-quality Arabica coffee and has strict quality standards for coffee cultivation.
6. Mexico: Mexico is a major producer of Arabica and offers a wide range of coffee varieties.
7. Peru: Peru produces both Arabica and Robusta coffee and has emerged as an important player in the coffee industry in recent years.
8. Kenya: Kenya is known for its high-quality Arabica varieties, often praised for their acidity and fruity aroma.
9. Honduras: Honduras has become one of the largest coffee exporters in Central America and offers a wide range of coffee varieties.
10. India: India produces both Arabica and Robusta coffee and is known for its unique coffee such as Monsooned Malabar.

Coffee Growing Regions by Volume: Where is the Most Coffee Grown?

Global coffee production is a fascinating topic, and there are some countries that stand out in terms of the amount of coffee grown. If we look at the 2020 harvest year and refer to the International Coffee Organization as a source, these are the largest coffee producers:

1. Brazil: With about 69 million 60-kg bags, Brazil ranks first. This corresponds to over 4 million tons of raw coffee.
2. Vietnam: With approximately 29 million 60-kg bags, Vietnam ranks second. This amounts to about 1.74 million tons of coffee.
3. Colombia: With around 14.3 million 60-kg bags, Colombia ranks third. That’s over 858,000 tons of raw coffee.
4. Indonesia: With approximately 12.1 million 60-kg bags, Indonesia ranks fourth. This amounts to about 726,000 tons of coffee.
5. Ethiopia: With about 7.38 million 60-kg bags, Ethiopia ranks fifth. This corresponds to over 442,500 tons of raw coffee.

Does Coffee Grow in Europe?

Europe is not typically within the Coffee Belt, so it is not one of the coffee-growing regions. However, there are two exceptions. While the climate in Europe is not suitable for coffee cultivation, greenhouse conditions can still create the appropriate climate. However, this is not practical for commercial coffee production. Another exception is Gran Canaria. The island is located off the northwest coast of Africa, making the climate not ideal but sufficient. Despite its location, the island belongs to Spain and, therefore, to Europe.

FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions About Coffee Growing Regions