The principal coffee regions in the world are classified into three main coffee-growing belts, roughly located between the Tropics of Cancer and Capricorn.

I say, roughly, because like the tropics themselves, coffee regiions do not conform to rigid latitudinal lines. Rather, they drift above and below according to an equation involving climate, altitude and other mercurial influences. Acknowledging this, the belts and regions are as follows (in no particular order):

1. The Americas

• Brazil – The world’s largest coffee producer, known for varieties like Bourbon, Typica, and Catuai.
• Colombia – Famous for its high-quality Arabica coffee with balanced acidity.
• Mexico – Produces primarily Arabica beans with chocolatey and nutty profiles.
• Guatemala – High-altitude coffee with distinct acidity and complex flavours.
• Honduras – A significant producer of high-quality Arabica with a mild, balanced taste.
• Costa Rica– Recognized for its strictly high-grown Arabica with bright acidity.
• Peru – Produces organic and shade-grown coffee with mild flavours.
• Ecuador – A smaller but diverse producer of highland coffee.
• Jamaica – Home to the renowned Jamaica Blue Mountain coffee.

2. Africa and the Middle East

• Ethiopia – The birthplace of coffee, known for diverse heirloom varieties and unique flavours.
• Kenya – Produces bright, fruity, and acidic Arabica coffee.
• Tanzania – Famous for Kilimanjaro and Peaberry coffee.
• Uganda – Produces both Arabica (from Mount Elgon) and Robusta.
• Rwanda – Recognized for its high-quality, floral, and complex Arabica coffee.
• Burundi – Similar to Rwanda, with bright acidity and fruity notes.
• Democratic Republic of Congo – Emerging as a specialty coffee producer.
• Yemen – One of the oldest coffee-growing regions, known for its rich, chocolatey, and spicy beans.

3. Asia-Pacific

• Vietnam – The largest Robusta producer, also growing some Arabica.
• Indonesia – Known for Sumatra, Java, and Sulawesi coffee with earthy and full-bodied flavours.
• India – Produces both Arabica and Robusta, with Monsooned Malabar being a specialty.
• Papua New Guinea – Grows unique Arabica coffee in high-altitude regions.
• Thailand – Produces both specialty Arabica in the north and Robusta in the south.
• China– Yunnan Province is emerging as a high-quality Arabica producer.
• Philippines – Produces a mix of Arabica, Robusta, and the rare Liberica variety.

These regions collectively shape the dominant global coffee industry, each offering distinct flavours, growing conditions, and processing methods.

Fun Project: See if you can sample at least one coffee from each region.

Let me know how you make out in the comments! And be sure to subscribe to The Coffee Authority Weekly if you have not already. All the freshest content direct to your inbox.