New Worldwatch Institute analysis examines global trends in coffee production, practices, and prices
Text of Get the Buzz: Global Trends in Sustainable Coffee Production
Get the Buzz: GlobalTrends in Sustainable Coffee
Production
Global coffee production has doubled since 1961 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7
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
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
Asias 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 $ $
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 averagesWorldwatch Institute Sources:
UNCTADSTAT
Because some countries depend on commodities like coffee for
the bulk of their earnings, extreme price fluctuations destabilize
their economies $$$$
Social & environmental concerns are far-ranging workers'
rights and child labor the use of agrochemicals deforestation
impacts on biodiversity ?
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 2025% of global coffee trade by 2015
For more information, visit our Coffee ProductionVital Sign:
bit.ly/VSOcoffee
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