Brazil’s 2014 Coffee Output Falls Over 9 Percent

Brazil, the world’s top coffee producer, just revised its 2014 production forecast—and the numbers show a significant drop. After years of relative stability, the country’s output is now expected to fall well below the previous year, driven by extreme weather and changes in planted area. For coffee buyers and drinkers worldwide, that means fewer beans on the global market and potential ripple effects on supply and pricing.

In short: Brazil’s 2014 coffee production is projected at 44.57 million 60-kilogram bags, a 9.33% decline from 2013’s 49.15 million bags, according to the Brazilian National Supply Company (CONAB).

Why Brazil’s Coffee Production Is Down in 2014

The primary reason behind the drop is a severe drought in Brazil’s main coffee-growing regions. The dry conditions forced many producers to reduce their overall planted area and shift some of their focus to more drought-resistant coffee varieties—mainly Robusta, also known as Coffea canephora or “” in Chinese. However, these shifts came at a cost.

Arabica vs. Robusta: The 2014 Crop Breakdown

Of the total 44.57 million bags expected in 2014:

• Arabica coffee: 32.24 million bags (72.4% of total), down 15.81% from 2013
• Robusta coffee: 12.33 million bags (27.6% of total), up 13.49% from 2013

This marks a major swing in the typical balance. Arabica has long dominated Brazil’s output, but the 2014 drought accelerated a strategic move toward the hardier Robusta—despite its generally lower market appeal and flavour profile compared to premium Arabica.

Planting Area Shrinks for the First Time in a Cycle

Total coffee planting area in Brazil for 2014 is estimated at 2.27 million hectares, a slight decrease of 1.9% from the previous year. This reduction further limits potential yields. The 2013 crop was already classified as a “small year” in Brazil’s biennial production cycle (when output is typically lower), with 49.15 million bags—a 3.3% drop from 2012. By contrast, 2014 was expected to be a “large year,” when production usually rebounds strongly. Instead, drought disrupted the usual rebound.

Harvest Timing and Global Export Role

Brazil’s coffee harvest runs annually from late March through October. As the world’s largest coffee exporter, Brazil supplies roughly one-third of all globally traded coffee. Its key export markets include Germany, the United States, and Italy—all of which rely heavily on the country’s steady volume, especially in the Arabica category.

How the 2014 Drought Reshaped Brazil’s Coffee Strategy

While Brazil has historically relied on high-volume, low-cost Arabica production—often using adapted varieties that grow well in full sun and allow mechanical harvesting—the 2014 drought exposed vulnerabilities in that model. Producers responded by expanding Robusta cultivation, which tolerates dry conditions better but is less favoured in specialty markets. That shift helps preserve volume but impacts the overall quality mix available for export.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much coffee did Brazil produce in 2014?

Brazil’s 2014 coffee production is forecast to be 44.57 million 60-kilogram bags, which equals 2,674,200 metric tonnes. This figure is down 9.33% from the 49.15 million bags (2,949,000 tonnes) produced in 2013.

Why did Brazil’s coffee output drop in 2014?

The main cause was a major drought in the country’s key coffee-growing regions, which forced farmers to reduce planted area and shift some production to more drought-tolerant Robusta coffee. The 2014 crop was also expected to be a “large year” in Brazil’s biennial cycle, but the drought prevented the usual production rebound.

What’s the difference between Arabica and Robusta in Brazil’s 2014 crop?

In 2014, Arabica made up 72.4% of Brazil’s output (32.24 million bags), but fell 15.81% from 2013. Robusta accounted for 27.6% (12.33 million bags) and rose 13.49%. Arabica is typically preferred for specialty coffee, while Robusta is more resilient to drought but often considered inferior in cup quality.

Did Brazil’s coffee planting area change in 2014?

Yes, Brazil’s total coffee planting area in 2014 was 2.27 million hectares, a decrease of 1.9% compared to 2013. This reduction contributed to the lower overall yield.

When is Brazil’s coffee harvest season?

Brazil’s coffee harvest runs from late March through October each year. This seasonal timing influences global coffee availability and pricing throughout the year.

Which countries are Brazil’s biggest coffee export markets?

Brazil’s primary coffee export destinations include Germany, the United States, and Italy. These markets depend on Brazil for a significant share of their imported coffee, especially Arabica.

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