New Worldwatch Institute analysis examines global trends in coffee production, practices, and prices

1. Get the Buzz:
GlobalTrends in Sustainable
Coffee Production

2. Global coffee production
has doubled since 1961
0
1
2
3
4
5
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8
9
10
1961/62 1971/72 1981/82 1991/92 2001/02 2011/12
MillionTons
FAO Data USDA Data
©Worldwatch Institute Sources: FAOSTAT; USDA-FAS

3. The majority of coffee production
—more than 3 tons for every 4 tons—
is exported, flowing from developing
countries principally to industrial ones

4. Top 3 Coffee Producers & Consumers,
2013-2014
Top Producer Top Consumer Top Producer & Consumer

5. Top 3 Coffee Producers, 2013-2014
BRAZIL
3.2 million tons
VIETNAM
1.7 million tons
COLOMBIA
0.7 million tons

6. Top 3 Coffee Consumers, 2013-2014
EUROPEAN
UNION
2.7 million tons
UNITED
STATES
1.5 million tons
BRAZIL
1.2 million tons

7. Asia’s share in world coffee production
has risen astonishingly,
from less than 5% in 1961 to 30% today
1961 2014

8. Coffee experiences
tremendous price volatility due to
‣ Overproduction
‣ Production shortfalls
‣ Mismatches between
coffee-growing
cycles and demand
‣ Bad weather
‣ Fungal pests
‣ Speculation
‣ Financialization
$ $

9. 0
50
100
150
200
250
300
350
400
CentsperPound
Coffee Prices, 1960-2014
Brazilian Arabicas Robustas
Note: All prices are ex-dock United States; monthly averages©Worldwatch Institute Sources: UNCTADSTAT

10. Because some countries depend
on commodities like coffee
for the bulk of their earnings,
extreme price fluctuations
destabilize their economies
$$$$

11. Social & environmental
concerns are far-ranging
‣workers' rights and child labor
‣the use of agrochemicals
‣deforestation
‣impacts on biodiversity
?

12. 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:

13. 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

14. For more information,
visit our Coffee ProductionVital Sign:
bit.ly/VSOcoffee

15. AboutVital 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.
vitalsigns.worldwatch.org

16. About theWorldwatch Institute:
Through research and outreach that inspire
action, theWorldwatch Institute works to
accelerate the transition to a sustainable
world that meets human needs.
www.worldwatch.org

17. www.worldwatch.org
bit.ly/VSOcoffee
vitalsigns.worldwatch.org