International Coffee Organization Members & Panama Geisha from Boquete

If you’ve ever wondered which countries are officially involved in global coffee trade—either importing or exporting—the International Coffee Organization (ICO) maintains a detailed and up-to-date membership list. This includes major producers like Brazil and Ethiopia, as well as key import markets such as the United States (included under 'Britain' in older data sets) and European nations. But beyond trade stats, some members are also home to legendary coffee origins—like Panama’s Boquete region, famous for its Geisha variety.

In total, the ICO includes 43 member countries: 24 are coffee importers and 19 are exporters. Among the exporters, Panama is especially notable for its high-altitude Boquete region, where Geisha coffee has gained international acclaim for its floral, citrus, and jasmine-like profiles. The region’s unique microclimate and volcanic soils create ideal conditions for this sought-after variety.

What Is the International Coffee Organization (ICO)?

The International Coffee Organization is a global body that brings together coffee-producing and -consuming countries to discuss trade policies, market trends, and sustainability efforts. Its membership includes both importers and exporters, facilitating dialogue and cooperation across the supply chain. The ICO helps stabilize the coffee market and supports initiatives that benefit coffee farmers and roasters worldwide.

ICO Member Countries: Importers and Exporters

The current list of ICO member countries includes 43 nations divided into importers and exporters. These are official trading partners engaged in the global coffee economy. Below is the complete list:

Importing Member Countries (24)

• Angola
• Austria
• Benin
• Belgium/Luxemburg
• Bolivia
• Britain
• Brazil
• Cyprus
• Burundi
• Cameroon
• Central African Republic
• Denmark
• Finland
• France
• Germany
• Greece
• Holland (Netherlands)
• Italy
• Japan
• Norway
• Portugal
• Spain
• Sweden
• Switzerland

Exporting Member Countries (19)

• Colombia
• Congo
• Congo D.R. of (Democratic Republic of Congo)
• Costa Rica
• Cote d'Ivoire
• Dominican Republic
• Ecuador
• El Salvador
• Ethiopia
• Gabon
• Ghana
• Guatemala
• Guinea
• Haiti
• Honduras
• India
• Indonesia
• Jamaica
• Kenya

Additional Exporting Nations (not always listed but included in trade data)

• Madagascar
• Malawi
• Mexico
• Nicaragua
• Nigeria
• Papua New Guinea
• Paraguay
• Rwanda
• Tanzania
• Thailand
• Togo
• Trinidad and Tobago
• Uganda
• Venezuela
• Zambia
• Zimbabwe

Panama, while sometimes categorized differently in older datasets, is among the most important exporting countries for specialty coffee—especially Geisha from Boquete.

Why Boquete, Panama, Is Famous for Geisha Coffee

Boquete, located in the Chiriquí Highlands of Panama, offers high elevations ranging from 1,200 to over 1,600 meters above sea level. This elevation, combined with rich volcanic soils and a cool, stable climate, creates optimal growing conditions for coffee, particularly the Geisha variety. First introduced to the region in the 1960s, Geisha has flourished in Boquete, gaining fame for its distinctive cup profile: bright acidity, jasmine and stone fruit notes, and a tea-like body.

The region’s microclimates and meticulous farming practices have helped Panamanian Geisha earn top awards at global cupping competitions, often fetching record-breaking prices at auction. Farms such as Hacienda La Esmeralda have put Boquete—and Geisha—on the map for specialty coffee enthusiasts around the world.

What Makes Geisha Coffee So Special?

Geisha (or Gesha) is a coffee variety originally from Ethiopia but rediscovered and popularized in Central America, especially Panama. Known for its exceptional cup quality, Geisha typically exhibits:

• High acidity with citrus and tropical fruit notes
• Floral aromas, often jasmine or honeysuckle
• A delicate, tea-like body
• Sweetness with hints of stone fruit or berries

These traits make it a favorite among single-origin enthusiasts and competition judges alike. When grown at high altitudes like those in Boquete, the variety truly shines.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many countries are members of the ICO?

There are 43 member countries in the International Coffee Organization: 24 are classified as coffee importers and 19 as exporters. These include major coffee-producing nations like Colombia, Ethiopia, and Panama, as well as key import markets such as Austria, Britain, Japan, and Spain.

Which countries are the main importers of coffee according to the ICO?

The main coffee-importing member countries include Angola, Austria, Benin, Belgium/Luxemburg, Bolivia, Britain, Brazil, Cyprus, Burundi, Cameroon, Central African Republic, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Holland (the Netherlands), Italy, Japan, Norway, Portugal, Spain, Sweden, and Switzerland.

Which countries are the main coffee exporters in the ICO?

The main coffee-exporting member countries include Colombia, Congo, Congo D.R., Costa Rica, Cote d’Ivoire, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, El Salvador, Ethiopia, Gabon, Ghana, Guatemala, Guinea, Haiti, Honduras, India, Indonesia, Jamaica, Kenya, Madagascar, Malawi, Mexico, Nicaragua, Nigeria, Papua New Guinea, Paraguay, Rwanda, Tanzania, Thailand, Togo, Trinidad and Tobago, Uganda, Venezuela, Zambia, and Zimbabwe. Panama is also a significant exporter, especially known for its Geisha coffee from Boquete.

What makes Boquete, Panama, special for coffee growing?

Boquete’s high altitude (1,200–1,600+ meters), volcanic soils, and cool climate create ideal conditions for growing specialty coffee. The region is best known for producing Geisha coffee with exceptional floral, citrus, and jasmine notes.

What is special about Geisha coffee?

Geisha coffee is prized for its high acidity, complex floral and fruity aromas (often jasmine, citrus, or stone fruit), a tea-like body, and remarkable sweetness. It is considered one of the highest-quality coffee varieties in the world.

Recommended FrontStreet Beans for Geisha Lovers

For fans of Panama Geisha, try FrontStreet Coffee’s Ethiopia Huakui, known for its jasmine and tropical fruit notes reminiscent of classic Geisha profiles. Also consider our Panama-sourced offerings through our Yirgacheffe selection, which highlights bright acidity and floral qualities. Finally, our Red Cherry blend offers a fruit-forward cup that echoes the complexity Geisha is known for. All beans are carefully roasted to highlight origin character. Freshly roasted within 5 days · Orders placed before 17:00 ship the same day · Next-day delivery across most of Guangdong Province.