The most important factor in determining the flavor and characteristics of coffee is the “growing region”.
The climate, soil, altitude and other factors that affect the environment in which the coffee beans grow can have a surprisingly large effect on the taste of the coffee!
Coffee is mainly grown in three regions: Central and South America, Africa and Asia. Each of these regions has its own unique characteristics, and the coffee from each region is almost like a different drink.
For example, Central and South American coffee has a well-balanced flavor, African coffee is characterized by its fruity, elegant acidity, and Asian coffee has a spicy, rich body.
This time, we have put together a ranking of the top 10 coffee-producing regions around the world, out of the approximately 80 countries, based on their popularity for their flavor, rather than their production volume, so we hope that you will find it useful when choosing a coffee that suits your own tastes!
Popular Coffee Growing Regions in Central and South America
First of all, we would like to introduce coffee producing regions in Central and South America, which is the central area of coffee production!
From Central and South America, 5 countries were nominated for the Top 10.
【Brazil】The world’s largest coffee producing kingdom
Brazil is the world’s No. 1 coffee producer, producing about 30% of the world’s coffee.
It is often used as the base for blended coffees around the world because of its well-balanced flavor and stable supply of beans!
Brazil also has a variety of climate zones, so coffee is grown in many different regions, which allows for a wide variation of flavors.
It has a nutty flavor and a chocolate-like sweetness, with a low acidity and a smooth mouthfeel!
It is such an easy-to-drink coffee even for beginners, so it is delicious not only black, but also as a café latte or cappuccino with milk added!
【Colombia】Emerald Mountain is very popular
In Colombia, “Emerald Mountain” is famous, with the world’s No. 3 production volume, and its name has become synonymous with high-quality coffee beans.
Only carefully selected beans are used, and of course, only those that meet very detailed criteria are allowed on the market.
The coffee is characterized by its balanced acidity, sweetness, and fruity flavor, and every time you drink it, you will discover something new.
Basically, it is characterized by its rich aroma, often with berry and citrus-like fruit flavors.
This coffee comes from a region that is highly regarded by connoisseurs around the world, and it can be drunk black or with milk!
【Guatemala】Deep flavor created by special conditions
Guatemala is an area where volcanic soil and diverse climatic conditions produce coffee with a unique flavor!
In particular, the high altitude and large temperature differences between day and night allow the coffee beans to mature slowly and develop a complex flavor.
Although the production volume is not very high, this special environment is the secret to the rich nutritional content of the coffee beans and their unique flavor.
The fruity acidity and chocolaty sweetness of the coffee beans are the characteristics of the coffee beans, which are loved by many coffee lovers for their exquisite balance.
This coffee can be enjoyed in a variety of roasting degrees, from medium roast to deep roast, and once you drink it, you will enjoy its deep unforgettable flavor!
【Honduras】High quality coffee grown at high altitude
Honduras is a production area where high quality coffee beans are grown due to the diverse topography and climatic conditions.
Its high quality is supported by the manual harvesting and refining methods of small-scale farmers!
It is characterized by its soft acidity and well-balanced flavor, and is the world’s No. 5 coffee in terms of production volume. It has a bright fruit flavor like citrus and berries, and a sweet and smooth mouthfeel that spreads on the palate.
It is a good coffee to drink on its own, but its well-balanced flavor makes it popular as a coffee that goes well in blends.
It can be enjoyed in a wide range of roasts from light roast to dark roast because of its good balance, but it is especially recommended as its flavor is more pronounced in a medium roast!
【Jamaica】The overwhelming fame of Blue Mountain
Jamaica is world famous for its Blue Mountain coffee, one of the three major brands in the world!
Grown in the highlands of the Blue Mountain Mountains in eastern Jamaica, its unique flavor and high quality are the best in the world, and its beans are often sold at very high prices.
The high altitude, moderate rainfall, and fertile volcanic soil are all ideal conditions.
It is characterized by a rich aroma, a perfect harmony of acidity and sweetness, with a moderate bitterness and a refreshing aftertaste!
This high quality and balance is unparalleled in the world and continues to be favored by many coffee lovers.
Popular Coffee Growing Regions in Africa
Next, we will introduce you to the coffee producing regions of Africa, which are characterized by bright acidity and fruity flavors!
There are several other African regions that I would like to include, but I have chosen only two countries for the Top 10.
【Ethiopia】Birthplace of Coffee
Ethiopia is, after all, famous as the birthplace of coffee.
It is said that around the 9th century, an Ethiopian shepherd saw his sheep becoming active by eating red berries, and he imitated him and started drinking coffee!
The legend has made it a special place for many coffee lovers, and it is still the world’s No. 6 coffee producer in terms of production, and is also very popular for its wide variety of flavors.
Characterized by floral and berry flavors, coffees from the Yirgacheffe region in particular have floral notes like jasmine and bergamot, bright acidity, and a fruity taste.
This coffee is light, easy to drink, and offers great diversity!
【Tanzania】Kilimanjaro, the highest peak in Africa
Tanzania boasts one of the world’s three major brands of Kilimanjaro coffee!
Tanzania is committed to the most sustainable coffee production in the world, and the high quality Arabica coffee beans produced by small farmers are the best in the world.
Known as a coffee grown at high altitude, the rich volcanic soil and moderate rainfall provide an ideal environment for coffee cultivation.
It is characterized by bright acidity and fruity flavors, especially bright fruit flavors such as berry and citrus.
This coffee also has a firm body and a well-balanced flavor!
Popular Coffee Growing Regions in Asia
Finally, we introduce you to the coffee producing regions of Asia, which are characterized by spicy and heavy flavors!
From Asia, we have selected three countries in the Top 10 that everyone will agree on.
【Indonesia】Coffee from Sumatra Island is very popular
Indonesia is a famous coffee-producing region due to its rich volcanic soil and humid climate!
It is the world’s No. 4 coffee producer, and among its coffees, Sumatran coffee in particular is loved by coffee lovers around the world for its distinctive flavor and heavy body.
This is due to a unique refining method (gillingbasa) called semi-wash, which produces a very distinctive flavor.
The overall flavor is spicy, with notes of cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg-like spices.
Deep roasting is especially recommended, and it is generally enjoyed black to further enjoy its rich flavor and heavy body!
【Vietnam】World’s No. 2 Coffee Producing Country
Vietnam is the world’s second largest coffee producer after Brazil.
In particular, production of Robusta coffee is thriving, accounting for about 40% of the world’s Robusta coffee production.
Robusta coffee has an image of being inferior to Arabica coffee, and is often thought of as a coffee for instant coffee only. However, Robusta coffee is easy to grow, resistant to disease, and has high yields, making it suitable for wide commercial use!
It is characterized by its strong bitterness and rich flavor, and its high caffeine content allows you to enjoy its deep richness.
For this reason, espresso or strong black coffee is best, but you can also enjoy a unique coffee culture called “Vietnamese coffee,” in which condensed milk is added to dark Robusta coffee to create a perfect harmony of sweet and bitter flavors.
【India】Monsoon coffee with a unique manufacturing process
India is an area where Arabica and Robusta varieties with unique flavors are grown!
Arabica coffee has a smooth mouthfeel and balanced acidity, while Robusta coffee is characterized by its rich and heavy body.
It is also known as a production area for “monsoon coffee,” in which coffee beans are matured after harvesting using the moisture of the monsoon.
By absorbing the moisture, the acidity of the beans is reduced, creating a mellow, deep, spicy, and unique flavor that is uniquely Asian.
Most of the coffees are mainly deep roasted and their characteristics stand out, but as in India, there is diversity in the coffees, so there are many ways to enjoy them.
Popular Coffee Growing Regions in Hawaii
As an added bonus, I would like to explain about the Hawaiian coffees we mainly deal with!
I would really like to include it in the TOP 10, but unfortunately it is not ranked because its production is so small, less than 1% of the world’s harvest. LOL!
However, “Hawaii Kona” from the Big Island of Hawaii, which is one of the world’s three major brands along with “Blue Mountain” from Jamaica and “Kilimanjaro” from Tanzania, is a world-class coffee.
It is characterized by a rich aroma, soft acidity, and moderate bitterness, with a chocolate, nutty, caramel-like sweetness and a very clear and refreshing aftertaste.
We also purchase directly from farms on the Big Island of Hawaii while partnering with UCC in Hawaii, so please enjoy the authentic taste of our coffee.