Get the Buzz: Global Trends in Sustainable
Coffee Production
Global coffee production has doubled since 1961
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1961/62 1971/72 1981/82 1991/92 2001/02 2011/12
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FAO Data USDA Data
©Worldwatch Institute Sources: FAOSTAT; USDA-FAS
The majority of coffee production —more than 3 tons for every 4 tons— is exported, flowing from developing
countries principally to industrial ones
Top 3 Coffee Producers & Consumers, 2013-2014
Top Producer Top Consumer Top Producer & Consumer
Top 3 Coffee Producers, 2013-2014
BRAZIL 3.2 million tons
VIETNAM 1.7 million tons
COLOMBIA 0.7 million tons
Top 3 Coffee Consumers, 2013-2014
EUROPEAN UNION
2.7 million tons
UNITED STATES
1.5 million tons
BRAZIL
1.2 million tons
Asia’s share in world coffee production has risen astonishingly,
from less than 5% in 1961 to 30% today
1961 2014
Coffee experiences tremendous price volatility due to
‣ Overproduction ‣ Production shortfalls ‣ Mismatches between
coffee-growing cycles and demand
‣ Bad weather ‣ Fungal pests ‣ Speculation ‣ Financialization
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Coffee Prices, 1960-2014
Brazilian Arabicas Robustas
Note: All prices are ex-dock United States; monthly averages ©Worldwatch Institute Sources: UNCTADSTAT
Because some countries depend on commodities like coffee
for the bulk of their earnings, extreme price fluctuations
destabilize their economies
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Social & environmental concerns are far-ranging
‣workers' rights and child labor
‣ the use of agrochemicals
‣deforestation
‣ impacts on biodiversity
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Fair trade guarantees a minimum price for smallholders
Organic
replaces inorganic fertilizers & pesticides with organic ones
Utz Certified incorporates social & environmental criteria
Rainforest Alliance includes integrated pest management & worker welfare
Initiatives to define & implement more sustainable practices include:
In 2009, ~8% of worldwide coffee exports was certified as sustainable
Certified coffee is growing rapidly, however, and could reach 20–25%
of global coffee trade by 2015
For more information, visit our Coffee Production Vital Sign:
bit.ly/VSOcoffee
About Vital Signs Online:
Vital Signs Online is produced by the Worldwatch Institute and provides business leaders, policymakers, and engaged citizens with the latest data and analysis they need
to understand critical global trends.
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About the Worldwatch Institute:
Through research and outreach that inspire action, the Worldwatch Institute works to accelerate the transition to a sustainable
world that meets human needs.
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bit.ly/VSOcoffee
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