Honduras Coffee Exports Rise 40% This Year

Honduras coffee producers aren’t just keeping pace with global demand—they’re pulling ahead. Thanks to smarter pest control and fertilization, the country’s coffee sector has seen a major uptick in both yield and international sales. That’s not just good news for Honduran farmers, but for specialty coffee drinkers seeking consistent, high-quality washed arabicas with distinct regional character.

This harvest season, Honduras produced more than 4 million quintals of coffee—already surpassing the entire 2014–2015 season. If trends continue, annual output could hit 7 million quintals. Export revenues are also climbing, expected to exceed $1.1 billion, up 30–40% year-on-year.

Why Honduras Coffee Production Is Booming

The chair of Honduras’ coffee growers’ cooperative, Dagoberto Suazo, credits the surge to better pest management and optimized fertilizer use. These improvements have led to healthier coffee trees and higher yields across the board. The result is not just more coffee, but more high-quality beans making it to market.

Export Market Performance and Key Buyers

Despite global coffee prices dipping below $140 per quintal on the New York exchange, Honduran coffee remains highly profitable. Germany and the United States remain the top export destinations, reflecting strong international demand for the country’s washed arabicas. The stable demand from these markets helps insulate Honduras from price volatility.

Honduras Coffee: Regional Profile and Specialty Potential

Honduras is Central America’s largest coffee producer—and when counting only washed arabicas, it ranks as the world’s second-largest. Most of its coffee grows at elevations above 1,000 meters, with prime altitudes between 1,000–2,000 meters. The key varieties include Caturra, Catuai, Pacas, and Typica, all processed via washed methods. Two standout categories have emerged: “High-Grown Coffee” from 1,000–1,500 meters, and the premium “Special High-Grown Coffee” from 1,500–2,000 meters. These elevations, combined with careful processing, contribute to Honduras’ reputation for clean, vibrant cup profiles.

What Determines Honduras Coffee Quality?

Quality in Honduran coffee hinges on altitude, variety, and processing. Washed processing—where pulp and mucilage are fully removed before drying—enhances clarity and consistency. Most specialty-grade Honduran coffees come from the 1,500–2,000 meter range, where cooler temperatures slow ripening and develop complex sugars. The result is a cup often featuring vibrant acidity, layered fruit notes, and hints of nuttiness or caramel.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much did Honduras coffee production increase this season?

This harvest season, Honduras produced over 4 million quintals of coffee, already surpassing the entire 2014–2015 season of 4 million quintals. If current trends continue, annual production could reach 7 million quintals.

What is the current export value of Honduran coffee?

The export value of Honduran coffee for this season is expected to exceed $1.1 billion, marking an increase of 30–40% compared to the previous year.

Which countries are the main buyers of Honduran coffee?

Germany and the United States are the primary importers of Honduran coffee, making up the majority of its international sales.

What coffee varieties are most common in Honduras?

The most widely grown coffee varieties in Honduras include Caturra, Catuai, Pacas, and Typica. These are typically processed using washed methods to ensure cleaner and more consistent flavors.

Why are Honduras coffee prices holding up despite global declines?

Despite New York market prices falling below $140 per quintal, Honduran coffee remains profitable due to strong demand from key markets like the U.S. and Germany, as well as the country’s focus on quality washed arabicas.

What defines 'Special High-Grown Coffee' in Honduras?

'Special High-Grown Coffee' refers to beans grown at elevations between 1,500–2,000 meters, which typically develop more complex flavors due to slower maturation and cooler temperatures during growth.

Recommended FrontStreet Beans from Honduras

For a true taste of Honduras’ washed arabica excellence, try FrontStreet Coffee’s signature water-processed Caturra. Grown at 1,200–1,600 meters and medium roasted, it delivers bright citrus acidity, layered stone fruit, and a sweet finish with hints of almond and toffee. Another great option is their single-origin selection highlighting Honduras’ signature clean profile—often featuring notes of tropical fruit and soft chocolate. These beans reflect the very high-altitude, washed-processing standards that have driven the country’s export boom. Freshly roasted within 5 days · Orders placed before 17:00 ship the same day · Next-day delivery across most of Guangdong Province.