Mexico

Mexico's Coffee Industry

Mexico is a top-10 global coffee exporter, with production centered in Chiapas, Veracruz, Puebla, and Oaxaca. The country primarily grows Arabica coffee (around 79%), with Robusta expanding in lowland areas. Arabica exports are forecast at 3.5 million green bean equivalent (GBE) for the 2025/26 marketing year, while Robusta is expected to decline slightly due to heatwaves affecting flowering in Veracruz. Total coffee exports are projected at 3.05 million GBE.

Production is dominated by smallholder farms with 90% of growers operating on plots under 3 hectares. Cooperatives play a vital role in providing technical assistance, credit access, and market linkage. While private estates exist, the cooperative model remains central to Mexico’s coffee identity.

Climate change poses significant risks. Rising temperatures and erratic rainfall have reduced yields and increased disease pressure, notably from coffee leaf rust and the coffee berry borer. Optimal growing conditions of 18.7°C and 1700 mm rainfall are increasingly rare, especially in Veracruz. National replanting programs have introduced rust-resistant varieties like Oro Azteca and Costa Rica 95, but funding cuts threaten long-term sustainability.

Political challenges include reduced government support for renovation programs and labor shortages due to stricter immigration controls and competition from other sectors. Tensions between producers and buyers have also surfaced, with protests over pricing and allegations of corporate pressure.

For UK and EU Buyers

Shipping from Mexico to the UK typically takes 24 to 31 days by sea, depending on the port of origin (e.g., Altamira or Veracruz) and carrier schedules.

Mexico’s coffee sector offers opportunities for both commercial and specialty buyers in the UK and EU, particularly those seeking traceable, agroecological, and cooperative-sourced coffees. However, climate volatility, political friction, and logistical constraints require careful sourcing strategies.