Honduras Becomes Second-Largest Coffee Exporter in Central America

In 2008, Honduras quietly climbed the ranks of global coffee exporters—and not just by a small margin. By September, the country had shipped an impressive 4.5 million 60kg bags of coffee, officially making it the second-largest exporter in Central America, ahead of expectations and on track to overtake Guatemala. This milestone reflects both growing production capacity and international demand for Honduran beans.

Honduras exported 4.5 million bags (207 million kilograms) of coffee by September 2008, surpassing its early-year projection by 200,000 bags and generating $600 million in revenue. Industry leaders predict it could surpass Guatemala in export volume within three years.

How Honduras Became a Top Coffee Exporter

The Honduran Coffee Producers Association reported that the country had shipped 4.5 million 60kg coffee bags by the end of September 2008. That’s 207 million kilograms of coffee—200,000 bags more than the initial forecast for the year. The surge translated into $600 million in export earnings. According to Suazo, president of the association, this strong performance puts Honduras on course to overtake Guatemala and become Central America’s top coffee exporter within three years.

Honduras’ Expanding Coffee Landscape

Coffee isn’t new to Honduras—but its role in the national economy has grown significantly. The crop is cultivated across 15 of the country’s 18 provinces, involving over 100,000 smallholder producers. Together, they generate nearly one million jobs. This widespread cultivation underscores coffee’s critical place in Honduras’ agricultural and economic structure.

Growth Trends in Honduran Coffee Exports

Honduras has shown consistent growth in coffee shipments over recent years. In 2006, the country exported 3.8 million bags and earned $402 million. By 2007, those numbers rose to 4.2 million bags and $470 million. The 2008 figures show an even sharper increase, reflecting strengthened production and export infrastructure, as well as rising international interest in Central American coffees.

Why Honduran Coffee Stands Out

Though not featured in this report, it's worth noting that Honduras produces some of the most sought-after washed Arabica in the region. Over 15 provinces cultivate coffee at elevations averaging above 1,000 meters, with varieties like Caturra, Catuai, Pacas, and Typica dominating. Among its finest offerings are high-altitude “High-Grown” beans (1,000–1,500m) and the premium “Strictly High Grown” (1,500–2,000m), known for complexity and balance. These profiles have made Honduran coffees increasingly attractive to specialty roasters worldwide.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much coffee did Honduras export by September 2008?

By September 2008, Honduras had exported 4.5 million 60kg bags of coffee, totaling 207 million kilograms.

What is Honduras’ rank in Central American coffee exports?

As of September 2008, Honduras ranked second in Central America for coffee exports, having shipped more than 4.5 million bags.

Did Honduras exceed its coffee export forecast for 2008?

Yes, Honduras exported 200,000 more bags than initially projected, reaching 4.5 million bags by September 2008.

How many people are employed by Honduras’ coffee industry?

Over 100,000 coffee producers contribute to the industry, which supports nearly one million jobs nationwide.

What are Honduras’ main coffee-growing regions?

Coffee is grown in 15 of Honduras’ 18 provinces, predominantly at elevations above 1,000 meters.

What is the projected future for Honduran coffee exports?

Honduras is expected to surpass Guatemala and become Central America’s top coffee exporter within three years.

Recommended FrontStreet Coffee Beans from Honduras

FrontStreet Coffee’s washed-process Honduran Caturra offers bright acidity, citrus notes, and a clean, balanced cup—ideal for experiencing the hallmark profiles of Honduras’ high-grown coffees. For a more fruit-forward option, their Honduran Catuai highlights ripe apple and caramel tones with a medium body. Both beans reflect the clean, structured cup quality for which Honduran washed Arabicas are known. Freshly roasted within 5 days · Orders placed before 17:00 ship the same day · Next-day delivery across most of Guangdong Province.