Today is my day off from The Game. The point is to relax from the strict eating schedule and rigid rules of The Game; the theory is that the day off prevents plateauing. So this morning, I fell back into my usual routine of rushing to get ready, putting on my make-up, running out the door, purchasing a bagel with cream cheese and a large coffee, and getting into work late. As I have described in a number of previous posts, coffee is something that I truly love, and having the freedom to drink it today caused a sense of euphoria. I'm high on caffeine, dizzy with the rich aroma and engulfed in the delicious bitterness of my first cup this week. Obviously, as this magical beverage is such a passion, I suppose you can guess that today's question will be related... Today's question is: which countries are the top 10 producers of coffee?
A: I thought that this would be an easy one; find the list, research the countries and voila! Little did I realize that each organization and website has different figures. I chose to base my research on the statistics provided by the International Coffee Organization's total production data.I was also really surprised by the list of countries - I have drank Costa Rican, Kenyan and Jamaican varieties, but was shocked that they did not make the top 10 list. Although, I was quite proud that the Guatemalan's are there; perhaps I come from a long line of coffee farmers! Regardless, here is the list:
Statistics are based on 2008/2009 crop production.
Brazil (45 992 000 bags)
Brazil is the largest coffee producing country, supplying 1/3 of the world's coffee. Brazil produces both arabica and robusta beans, although notable varieties include Bahia and Bourbon Santos. Brazilian coffee is usually distinguished by a clear, sweet, mild to medium flavour.
Vietnam (16 000 000 bags)
Coffee production in Vietnam is considered to be the most rapid growing industry in the country. Vietnam specializes in robsuta production, but also grows arabica beans which were brought to the country by French missionaries in the 1860s. Vietnamese coffee is characterized by a light acidity and mild body, it is frequently used for blending.
Colombia (10 500 000 bags)
The best known coffee producer in the world, much of Colombia's economy relies on the production of coffee. Colombia’s coffee grows in the moist, temperate foothills of the Andes, which result in consistently good, mild coffees. The delicate, aromatic sweetness can be found in the notable Supremo.
Indonesia (8 638 000 bags)
Indonesia produces well known robusta beans from it's islands of Sumatra, Java and Sulawesi. Indonesia's traditional process of warehousing the beans - aging them in it's warm, damp climate - produces a deep bodied flavour that cannot be matched by technology.
Ethiopia (6 133 000 bags)
Ethiopia is the origin of the arabica tree and is the top exporter of that variety of bean. One of the main growing areas is Kaffa, which is said to be where the name coffee derived. Ethiopian coffee tends to offer a bold, full flavoured, earthy cup.
Mexico (4 650 000 bags)
Although one of the top producers, Mexican coffee tends to be grown on small farms rather than large plantations. Mexico is the largest supplier of coffee to the United States. A cup of Mexican coffee can offer a wonderful aroma and a depth of flavor. It is a good bean for dark roasts and is sometimes used for blending.
India (4 372 000 bags)
Coffee production in India is strictly controlled by the Indian Coffee Board, which some claim reduces economic incentive and lowers quality. Indian coffee can be distinguished by complex aroma and sweet finish with undertones of fruit and earthiness.
Peru (3 868 000 bags)
Peruvian coffee is a sweet, fruity tasting coffee with a complex yet delicate aroma that is alive with floral scents and fruit notes. Many importers have focused on fair-trade beans from Peru as it operates many small farms.
Honduras (3 373 000 bags)
Honduras mainly grows arabica beans and retailers tend to use it as a blending coffee. Due to the rich soil, high altitude and temperate climate, Honduran coffee has a low acidity and a sweet flavour likened to that of caramel.
Guatemala (3 370 000 bags)
Guatemalan coffee has a very distinct flavour due to the volcanic soil and high altitude of the coffee plantations. Guatemalan coffee is medium to full bodied, with a spicy flavour and chocolaty undertones.
Sources:
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