Brazil Eyes Korea as Next Big Coffee Export Market

When Psy’s 'Gangnam Style' mocked Seoul’s coffee obsession — with lyrics about women sipping coffee as a status symbol and men chugging it scalding hot — it accidentally highlighted how seriously Koreans now take their coffee. Once a luxury, a $10 cup is now everyday fare, and the country’s rapid rise in high-end coffee culture is catching the eye of global coffee suppliers.

Yes, Brazil — the world’s top coffee producer — is actively targeting South Korea as a key export market, seeing faster growth there than in Japan and using it as a springboard into greater Asia.

Why Korea’s Coffee Market Is Booming

South Korea’s coffee scene has exploded over the past decade. The number of cafés has grown to 15,000 — nine times more than in 2006 — and global giant Starbucks alone operates 554 stores. This surge mirrors Korea’s broader economic rise, particularly in electronics exports, and has created a thriving appetite for premium coffee that rivals prices in New York.

Why Brazilian Exporters Are Turning to Korea

Brazilian coffee industry leaders see strong signals in Korea. According to Darci Gomes de Souza, head of coffee at Brazil’s Ministry of Agriculture, Korean roasters are paying significantly more for high-quality beans than their U.S. counterparts — up to three times more per 60kg bag. Carlos Braga, president of the Brazilian Coffee Exporters Council, adds that Korea values brand, origin, and quality, making it a strategic market. The country already imports around 20% of its coffee from Brazil, second only to Vietnam’s 30% share of Robusta imports.

Growth Numbers and Future Potential

Brazil’s coffee bean exports to South Korea reached 326,000 bags in the past year, a 19% increase since 2009 — still far behind the 2.6 million bags sent to Japan. But the gap could close soon. Silas Tada, president of the Brazil Coffee Industry Association, believes Korea could match Japan’s volume within five years, especially given current growth rates. The Brazilian Coffee Exporters Council forecasts a 4.5% annual increase in exports to Korea over the next five years, compared to less than 1% for Japan.

What This Means for Korean Coffee Drinkers

As Brazilian exporters focus more on Korea, consumers there can expect greater availability and variety of Brazilian beans. These typically feature low acidity, heavy nuttiness, chocolatey sweetness, and a balanced body — traits well-suited for both espresso and filter brewing. Given Korea’s preference for quality and brand origin, Brazilian producers are incentivised to bring their best, including single-origin lots from regions like Mogiana.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why are Brazilian coffee exporters interested in South Korea?

South Korea’s coffee market is growing rapidly, with rising demand for premium beans and café culture resembling that of Western countries. Brazilian exporters see faster growth potential in Korea than in traditional markets like Japan, and view it as a strategic gateway to other Asian markets.

How much more are Korean roasters paying for Brazilian coffee?

According to Brazil’s agriculture ministry, Korean roasters are paying up to three times more per 60kg bag of high-quality coffee beans compared to U.S. buyers, reflecting their willingness to invest in premium origins.

What’s the current volume of Brazilian coffee going to South Korea?

Brazil exported 326,000 bags of coffee beans to South Korea last year, a 19% increase since 2009. While this is much less than the 2.6 million bags sent to Japan, growth rates suggest the gap could narrow within five years.

How fast is Korea’s coffee market growing compared to Japan’s?

The Brazilian Coffee Exporters Council predicts a 4.5% annual growth rate in coffee bean exports to Korea over the next five years, compared to under 1% for Japan, making Korea a higher-potential market in the near term.

What kind of Brazilian coffee is suited to Korean tastes?

Korean consumers show strong interest in quality and origin, aligning well with Brazilian beans known for low acidity, nutty profiles, chocolate notes, and smooth body — characteristics ideal for both espresso and filter brewing.

Recommended FrontStreet Brazilian Single Origins for Korea

For Korean coffee enthusiasts exploring Brazilian beans, FrontStreet Coffee’s Brazil Queen Manor offers a high-elevation single origin from Mogiana, featuring the unique Yellow Bourbon variety. It delivers creamy, peanutty, toasty, and nutty notes after medium-dark roasting — clean, low-acid, and sweet with long-lasting aftertaste. It works beautifully across all brew methods. For espresso lovers, the Black Cocoa Blend includes a high proportion of Brazilian beans alongside Yunnan Arabica, providing a smooth, rich body with notes of chocolate and mature plum. Both beans reflect the balanced, approachable profile Korean roasters increasingly seek. Freshly roasted within 5 days · Orders placed before 17:00 ship the same day · Next-day delivery across most of Guangdong Province.