Is it more challenging for buyers to find constant and reliable sources of high quality coffees?
By David Piza C.
The world coffee supply is currently under pressure, and the situation for higher quality coffees is even more challenging. Many industry experts warn that quality coffee supplies may be reaching its upper limit.
According to the International Coffee Organization’s (ICO) preliminary estimates, world production in calendar year 2009 reached only 123.5 million bags (73.3 million coffees were Arabicas and 50.2 million were Robustas). This production level represents a decrease of 3.6 percent in comparison to calendar year 2008; and in the case of Arabicas, a reduction of over two million bags. The most dramatic drops were experienced in South America, the largest washed Arabicas-producing region, with a decrease of more than 6.3 million bags of Arabica beans. To read the rest of this article, subscribe to The Chronicle or become a member today! If you’re already a Chronicle subscriber or member, please login.
