Archive · 7 Dec 2025
Brazil's Robusta Coffee Growers Elevate Quality
In Brazil, coffee farmers are working hard to make robusta coffee, which was once considered lower quality, into a premium product.
They are using better farming and drying methods to create a richer, more flavorful coffee.
The Specialty Coffee Association is also helping by changing how coffee is graded so that robusta can be recognized for its unique qualities.
This is important because climate change is making it harder to grow arabica coffee, which is usually used in high-end blends.
By improving robusta, farmers can offer a more affordable and delicious alternative.
Coffee shops around the world are starting to appreciate the unique taste of robusta, which has a fuller body and a more bitter finish that many people enjoy.
Brazilian robusta coffee growers are investing in better harvesting and drying techniques to produce high-quality robusta beans.
Climate change threatens to make 75% of Brazil's best arabica-growing land unsuitable by 2050, driving the push for premium robusta.
The Specialty Coffee Association (SCA) has revised its evaluation course to include robusta beans, recognizing their unique qualities.
Espirito Santo aims to produce 1.5 million 60-kg bags of specialty robusta annually by 2032, up from 10,000 currently.
The average price of specialty Brazilian robusta has more than doubled since 2021, reaching over $295 per 60-kg bag.
- Who
- Brazilian robusta coffee growers, baristas, and the Specialty Coffee Association (SCA)
- What
- Efforts to improve the quality and perception of robusta coffee beans
- When
- Ongoing, with significant developments in 2023 and plans extending to 2032
- Where
- Primarily in Espirito Santo, Brazil, with global implications
- Why
- Climate change threats to arabica beans, rising coffee prices, and consumer demand for premium robusta
- Primary Producer
- Brazil
- Robusta Production Rank
- 2nd largest in the world
- Arabica Suitable Land by 2050
- Less than 25% of current suitable land
- Specialty Robusta Target (2032)
- 1.5 million 60-kg bags annually
- Current Specialty Robusta Production
- 10,000 60-kg bags annually
- Price Increase Since 2021
- More than double