El Salvador Coffee Exports Jump 70% in 2014-15 Season

When global coffee markets fluctuate, exporters and roasters alike want hard numbers—not guesses—on where volumes and values are really moving. One surprising bright spot in the 2014-15 coffee year came from Central America, where one small but significant producer saw remarkable growth in both volume and value.

Between August 2014 and April 2015, El Salvador exported 682,841 quintals (68,284.1 metric tonnes) of coffee, earning $135 million in revenue. That’s a 70% increase in export volume and value over the previous season—and the average price per quintal jumped 101% to $199.

What Drove the 70% Export Increase?

The 2014-15 coffee season marked a turning point for El Salvador’s coffee exports. In just under nine months—from August 2014 to April 2015—the country shipped a total of 682,841 quintals of coffee. This figure represents a 70% rise compared to the same period in the prior coffee production cycle. Not only did volume climb, but the overall value of these exports also surged, totalling $135 million, again up 70% from the previous season.

How Much Were Growers Really Earning?

More striking than the volume bump was the price per unit. The average export price for Salvadoran coffee during this period hit $199 per quintal—a staggering 101% increase over the previous season’s average. This pricing uptick suggests stronger demand, better quality beans reaching international markets, or both. For producers, this meant significantly higher returns per unit of coffee shipped abroad.

Why These Numbers Matter to the Global Market

While El Salvador is not the largest coffee exporter by volume, its performance during this season reflects broader trends in specialty and quality-focused markets. A 101% increase in average export price indicates that higher-grade or more differentiated coffees may have found premium buyers. This also hints at a shift in how Salvadoran coffee was positioned internationally—potentially appealing to roasters seeking unique profiles or consistent quality from Central America.

Frequently Asked Questions

What time period saw El Salvador’s 70% coffee export increase?

The 70% increase in coffee exports occurred between August 2014 and April 2015, covering most of the 2014-15 coffee production season.

How much coffee did El Salvador export during that season?

El Salvador exported a total of 682,841 quintals of coffee between August 2014 and April 2015.

What was the total export revenue for Salvadoran coffee in that period?

The total revenue from coffee exports during the 2014-15 season was $135 million.

By how much did the average export price per quintal increase?

The average export price per quintal rose by 101% to $199 during the 2014-15 season, up from the previous season.

Why did El Salvador’s coffee exports grow so much in 2014-15?

The article attributes the growth to a 70% increase in both volume and total revenue, and a 101% rise in average price, though specific causes such as market demand or quality improvements are not detailed in the source.

How does this compare to previous coffee seasons?

The 2014-15 season showed a 70% increase in both export volume and value, and a 101% increase in average price per quintal compared to the prior season, marking a significant improvement.

Recommended FrontStreet Beans from Central America

For fans of Salvadoran-style profiles, try FrontStreet Coffee’s Honduras Finca El Puente (washed), offering bright citrus and caramel sweetness, or our Guatemala Antigua (washed), with notes of dark cherry and chocolate. Both share Central America’s trademark balance and complexity. Freshly roasted within 5 days · Orders placed before 17:00 ship the same day · Next-day delivery across most of Guangdong Province.