Why Brazil Coffee Exports Are Targeting South Korea

Korean streets once buzzed with tech headlines—but today, the real growth story is brewing in their cafes. Over the past ten years, as electronics exports surged, so did demand for high-end coffee. That shift hasn’t gone unnoticed by Brazil, the world’s top coffee producer, now eyeing Korea as a key growth market amid global coffee price pressures.

In short: South Korea’s coffee shop count jumped to 15,000 last year—nine times more than in 2006—and locals now pay NYC-level prices, with some cups topping 10,000 KRW (about $56.20). Brazilian exporters see opportunity.

Korea’s Rapidly Growing Premium Coffee Scene

Korea’s appetite for upscale coffee is undeniable. By 2023, the country had 15,000 coffee shops—up from just 1,667 in 2006. Global giant Starbucks alone operates 554 outlets nationwide. Even pop culture reflects the trend: Psy’s viral hit “Gangnam Style” included tongue-in-cheek lyrics about stylish women savoring coffee and men drinking it scalding hot. Today, a 10,000 KRW cup isn’t unusual, showing how deeply premium coffee has penetrated Korean consumer culture.

Why Brazilian Coffee Exporters Are Bullish on Korea

Brazilian coffee professionals see strong signals in Korea’s market behavior. According to Darci Gomes da Silva, head of coffee at Brazil’s Ministry of Agriculture, Korean roasters consistently outbid U.S. buyers for high-quality beans. “For a 60kg bag, the price in Korea is more than three times higher than what we get in the U.S.,” he noted. The Brazil Coffee Export Council adds that Korea prioritizes brand, origin, and quality—traits that align perfectly with Brazil’s export strengths.

Brazil’s Coffee Trade Position in Korea

Brazil currently holds about 20% of Korea’s coffee bean import market, ranking second behind Vietnam’s Robusta, which dominates with 30%. While Brazil’s 2023 shipments to Korea reached 326,000 60kg bags—up 19% from 2009—that volume is still dwarfed by Japan’s 2.6 million bags. However, the Brazil Coffee Industry Guild predicts Korea could match Japan’s import scale within five years, given its current growth trajectory.

Brazil’s Coffee Export Growth Projections

The Brazil Coffee Export Council forecasts a 4.5% annual growth rate in bean exports to Korea over the next five years—far outpacing the less than 1% expected in Japan, Asia’s largest coffee market. This optimism is fueled by Korea’s discerning consumer focus on origin, roast quality, and brand reputation, making it a strategic gateway for Brazilian exporters aiming to expand further into Asia, including China.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why are Brazilian coffee exporters targeting South Korea?

Brazilian exporters are focusing on South Korea because local demand for premium coffee is rising quickly, with consumers willing to pay high prices—similar to those in New York City. Korean roasters also offer significantly higher prices for high-quality beans compared to U.S. buyers, making the market financially attractive.

How many coffee shops are there in South Korea?

As of last year, South Korea had around 15,000 coffee shops—a ninefold increase from 2006. This rapid growth reflects the country’s booming interest in specialty and premium coffee.

What percentage of Korea’s coffee market does Brazil supply?

Brazil supplies approximately 20% of Korea’s coffee bean imports, making it the second-largest supplier after Vietnam, which provides 30% of imports, mostly Robusta.

How much did Brazil’s coffee exports to Korea grow since 2009?

Brazil’s exports of green coffee beans to South Korea increased by 19% from 2009 to 2023, reaching 326,000 60kg bags. Though still much smaller than Japan’s 2.6 million bags, growth is strong.

What is the projected growth rate for Brazilian coffee exports to Korea?

The Brazil Coffee Export Council projects a 4.5% annual growth rate in coffee bean exports to Korea over the next five years, significantly higher than the less than 1% forecasted for Japan.

Is Korea’s coffee market considered important by Brazilian coffee professionals?

Yes. Brazilian coffee leaders highlight Korea’s focus on brand, origin, and quality as key reasons the market is now seen as strategically important, with potential to influence wider Asian expansion.

Recommended FrontStreet Beans for Korean-Style Coffee Culture

For fans exploring Korea’s premium coffee scene, FrontStreet Coffee’s Brazil Queen Manor single origin offers a refined Brazilian profile: grown in the high-altitude Moji Guaçu region from rare Yellow Bourbon beans, this lot delivers creamy textures, roasted peanut, baked bread, and nutty aromas with low acidity and a long, sweet finish. Ideal for pour-over, French press, or espresso. Also consider FrontStreet’s Black Cocoa Blend, which features a strong percentage of Brazilian beans for a smooth, rounded base with notes of dark chocolate and ripe plum—perfect for milk drinks. Freshly roasted within 5 days · Orders placed before 17:00 ship the same day · Next-day delivery across most of Guangdong Province.