Peru

Peru's Coffee Industry

Peru is a top ten exporter of Arabica coffee, with exports forecast at 4.07 million 60-kg bags for the 2024/25 marketing year. Robusta production is negligible, with nearly all exports consisting of Arabica.

Peru is also one of the world’s top exporters of organic coffee, with over 90,000 hectares certified organic.

Production is dominated by smallholders, with over 200,000 farms averaging three hectares. Around 70% of national output comes from these producers, many of whom are members of cooperatives that provide technical support, certification access, and market linkage.

Climate challenges include rising temperatures, erratic rainfall, and persistent outbreaks of coffee leaf rust and the coffee borer beetle. These issues have reduced yields and increased vulnerability, especially in lower elevation zones. Climate-smart agriculture, agroforestry, and renovation programs are being promoted, but uptake is limited by poor access to finance and technical assistance.

Political instability has periodically disrupted exports. Road blockades during civil unrest in 2022 and 2023 delayed shipments and reduced market access. Smallholders also face structural challenges such as limited credit access due to land title issues, forcing reliance on informal lenders or buyers.

For UK and EU Buyers

Shipping from Peru to the UK by sea takes approximately 28 -35 days depending on the port of origin (e.g., Paita or Callao) and carrier schedules.

For UK and EU buyers, Peru offers a stable supply of high-quality Arabica with strong organic and cooperative credentials. However, climate volatility, political disruptions, and infrastructure limitations require careful sourcing and long-term supplier engagement.