Is Robusta on the Rise? Trends in Coffee Species Trade

There are two main types of coffee produced and traded globally: Arabica and Robusta. For decades Arabica has been perceived as higher quality and better tasting and has thus dominated global production, trade, and consumption, particularly in the United States and Europe. However, Arabica is more difficult to grow than Robusta and is more susceptible to climate change, diseases, and pests. As result, coffee producers have begun developing higher quality Robusta that is both easier and cheaper to produce than Arabica. This EBOT summarizes global trade in coffee and further explores developments in Robusta production and trade.