Brazil coffee exports to Arab states now stand at 56.2%, new report says

NAIROBI, Kenya - Arab nations imported 56.2 percent more coffee from Brazil in the first half of 2023, more than during the same period in 2022, according to the latest data by the Brazilian Council of Coffee Exporters, known as Cecafe.

As per Cecafe data, Lebanon was the largest recipient with 144,344 bags — accounting for almost a quarter of the total exported to Arab countries — followed by Jordan with 94,609 bags.

Among the reasons for the increase in Arab demand is the drop in coffee prices and the greater availability of Arabica beans from Brazil due to better climatic conditions.

Between 2021 and 2022, the South American nation experienced heavy droughts and a record frost that affected its coffee plantations, limiting its export capacity and making other coffees more attractive to Arab countries.

Arabica beans — the most produced and consumed worldwide, representing over half of global production — accounted for 87 percent of Brazilian coffee exports to Arab countries in the first half of this year.

Cecafe President Marcio Candido told Arab News: “Brazil is the only country that produces all varieties of coffee beverages such as washed, semi-washed, hard, and fine coffees.”

It is also known for the sustainability of its crops and the corporate responsibility surrounding its coffee market.

“We can say that any consumer of Brazilian coffee in the world, including Arab countries, is directly responsible for better life quality of producers’ families and their local development,” said Candido, adding that Brazil has the highest index payment to its coffee farmers.

“How can we encourage sustainability among producers if they aren’t granted most of the benefits for exporting their product?

“Cecafe guarantees that the producer receives maximum recognition for their product, and requires them to comply with labor, social and environmental laws.”

It is through these higher standards and sustainability that Brazil can promote and maintain coffee farming.

“The characteristic of coffee is friendship. It brings people together,” said Candido. “There’s always an opportunity to have coffee, regardless if you’re sad or happy. The feeling of togetherness is present in coffee.”

GAROWE ONLINE