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

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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

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About the Worldwatch Institute:

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bit.ly/VSOcoffee

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