Brazil is the largest producer and exporter of coffee in the entire world. Over the years, the country has produced about a third of the world’s coffee. In fact, the country is unrivaled in the production of green coffee, arabica, and instant coffee.
For instance, in 2011, Brazil produced 2.7 million tons, more than twice the amount produced by Vietnam (which is the second largest producer). However, what makes Brazil lead in the production of coffee globally?
Climate
Besides having a good climate, cultivation and production of coffee in Brazil are the main factors that make the country the largest producer.
Normally, coffee is grown on plantations, in areas with ideal growing conditions. This makes it easier for farmers to cultivate, produce and harvest the coffee produced.
There are about 220,000 coffee farms in the country, with plantations covering about 27,000 km of the entire country. Minas Gerais, Sao Paulo, Rondonia, Bahia, Espirito Santo, and Parana are the six largest states that produce coffee.
After tending the coffee plants for months, they are picked during the dry seasons, June to September, before processing the berries. This means that professional expertise is used in these plantations to treat diseases, and grow and harvest berries throughout the year.
Therefore, a high level of expertise, skills, and professionalism facilitates the high production of coffee in Brazil.
Comparison To Other Countries
On the other hand, although other countries have plantations, coffee is produced individually. If you own a piece of land and you are willing to grow coffee plants, you can produce coffee.
This is not an effective method of coffee production, because most peasant farmers do not possess the skills, experience, and equipment needed to produce coffee.
As a result, most countries end up producing quantities of low quality coffee. However, some countries have professional coffee farmers who have dedicated their lives and resources to produce coffee, either for export or local consumption.
Conclusion
In Brazil, there are no taxes for coffee exports, although importing coffee, especially green and roasted coffee, will require that a tax is paid.
It is evident that ideal weather conditions, vast lands, and a high level of expertise on coffee plantations are some of the reasons why Brazil is the leading coffee exporter in the world.
