Vietnam’s position as the world’s leading producer of Robusta coffee could be overtaken by Brazil in the next two to three years. Experts say Brazil’s rapid progress in technology and sustainable farming is putting pressure on Vietnam to make urgent changes.
Trinh Duc Minh, chairman of the Buon Ma Thuot Coffee Association, issued the warning during a seminar titled “Vietnamese Coffee: Enhancing Farmer Benefits and Supporting Export Enterprises.”
Minh explained that while Brazil has traditionally focused on growing Arabica beans, its Robusta production is increasing quickly. This growth is driven by better agricultural technology and large-scale sustainable farming practices.
Brazilian coffee cooperatives produce up to eight metric tons of Robusta per hectare—far higher than Vietnam’s average of just three to four tons. In Vietnam, most coffee farms are small and often shift to other crops like durian, avocado, or pepper when prices are better. This leads to unstable coffee production and lower yields.
“Vietnam is still the top Robusta producer in the world, but without timely reforms, we could lose that position,” Minh said. “Brazil may surpass Vietnam soon, with Robusta output expected to reach over 30 million pounds.”
Coffee expert Nguyen Quang Binh shared the same concern. He noted that nearly 90 percent of Vietnam’s annual coffee output—estimated at 1.6 to 1.8 million metric tons—comes from small farms, each producing only a few tons.
Related topics:
- Kenyan Government to Distribute 5.2M Coffee Seedlings to Uasin Gishu Farmers
- Kenyan Coffee Farmers Urged to Adopt Organic Farming for Global Edge
- Italian-Inspired Qargo Coffee Set to Open in Grand Prairie This Summer