Which country is the world's largest producer of coffee?

Brazil is the world’s largest producer of coffee.

Brazil’s coffee industry began after coffee plants arrived in the country in the 18th century. By the 19th century, plantations had expanded dramatically, particularly in Rio de Janeiro, São Paulo, and Minas Gerais. Coffee became a defining export and helped shape Brazil’s economy, transport networks, immigration patterns, and politics.

Today, Brazil typically produces about one-third of the world’s coffee, far ahead of other major producers. Minas Gerais is especially important and is the country’s leading coffee-growing state. Brazil cultivates both arabica and robusta, although arabica has historically dominated its production.

The country’s leading position does not mean Brazilian coffee tastes the same everywhere. Climate, altitude, soil, processing method, and bean variety create substantial regional differences. Colombia and Ethiopia are famous for distinctive coffees, while Vietnam is a major producer, especially of robusta. Those reputations can make them seem like the overall leader, but Brazil remains the standard answer for total national production.