Coffee is grown mainly in four continents and in more than fifty countries. Due to different climate factors, elevation levels, types of soil and amount of water different countries recieve, each nation’s coffee has it's own distinct character.

Coffee Regions

Asia and Pacific Rim

Hawaii - Hawaii’s best known coffee comes from the Kona region, which is amongst some of the most expensive coffees in the world.  It is a lower altitude and than other regions but has a climate like other regions.  Coffee characteristics from this region include medium bodied, with good acidity, lovely aroma with notes of wine, cinnamon and clove.

India - full bodied, deep, yet delicate beans with spicy notes.

Indonesia - has three great island producing regions.  Sumatran coffee is dark, rich brews, Java is medium bodied, with nice acidity and a short creamy finish.  Sulawesi produces a well balanced coffee with lively acidity but less body. Indonesia sources some of the worlds most prized coffees, and the island is also known for its aged coffees.

Vietnam - Vietnamese coffee is fast becoming one of the largest coffee producers in the world. Most of the beans from Vietnam are Robusta and generally end up in blends.  Mild bodied, lightly acidic with good balance.


Africa and Arabia

Ethiopia - the hometown of coffee. Coffee here is wild rather than cultivated.  It is best described as bold and acidic. The coffee from Ethiopia is very different from east to south.  The eastern regions produce a near fermented flavour, whilst the south produces a more floral cup.

Ivory Coast - this is one of the top Robusta growing regions in the world. Aromatic, light bodied, these beans are often roasted very dark and used in espresso.

Kenya - is renowned for its superb high quality coffee.  Kenya has its own coffee grading system which is based on size and other factors.AAA = this is the highest grading and its characteristics include full bodied, fruity acidity and a rich fragrance.  AA = the finish can be winy.  A = sour finish.

Tanzania - grown on the slopes of Mount Kilimanjaro and other peaks.  The coffee grows in single seeds called peaberries and offers a rich yet simple brew with delicate acidity.

Yemen - Is the world’s first commercial coffee producer. It produces Moka coffee which is rich with a chocolaty finish. Due to water being very scarce in this region Mokas are produced in limited quantities and can be hard to acquire.

Zimbabwe - coffee from zimabwe is very similar to Kenyan coffee but slightly less intense.

Central and South America

Brazil - produces the most coffee in the world. The majority of the crop consists of Robusta beans.  These beans are grown at lower level elevations normally ending up as instant and canned coffee or part of an espresso blend. Brazil also grows some Arabica beans, these are very highly regarded.  Their characteristics include; medium bodied, slightly sweet, clear and low in acid.

Colombia - is the second largest producer of coffee in the world and is well renowned for its high quality and consistency. Its characteristics include; medium to full bodied, good acidity and slightly sweet, caramel and winy notes. Columbia’s best known coffee bean is the Arabica named ‘Colombian Supremo’, it is grown at the highest elevations.

Costa Rica - produces lovely balanced and somewhat neutral medium bodied coffees that are delicate and quite acidic. The countries coffee industry is known for its carefull processing. They are also prized for their high notes: bright citrus or berry-like flavors, with distinct nutty and chocolate roasty flavors.

Guatemala - is known for its volcanic soils and numerous microclimates. It’s midland regions grows long bluish coffee beans that produces distinct flavours, well balanced aromatic coffee, often with spicy or chocolaty notes.  The most familiar coffee regions are Antigua and Corban.

Jamaica - the Jamaican Blue mountain coffee is one of Jamaica's most popular coffees, a very expensive brew with mellow and sweet notes, and a lovely aroma. Other great coffees from Jamaica include High Mountain Supreme and Prime Jamaica Washed.

Puerto Rico - was once a major coffee producer, but unfortunately the region has been devastated by hurricanes and global competition.  Recent years however has seen a revival with high quality Puerto Rican beans returning to the market. Their characteristics include; fruity aromas with balanced body and acidity.

Mexico - the most highly regarded coffees from Mexico are grown in the southern regions of Oaxaca, Veracruz and Chiapas.  The large beans from these regions are light bodied, acidic and aromatic.  Beans labelled Altura are grown at higher elevations.

Venezuela - today, Venezuela produces less than one percent of the worlds coffee and most of it is drunk by the Venezuelans themselves. However, some interesting Venezuela coffees are again entering the North American specialty market. Venezuela produces coffee similar to Colombian, the most familiar is Maracaibo, named for the port from which it is shipped.