How big is the coffee industry in South Africa?
The South Africa coffee market generated a revenue of USD 671. USD 887. The South Africa market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 4. In terms of segment, roasted was the largest revenue generating product in 2024. High-Quality Standards: The meticulous process of handpicking, sun-drying, and natural processing contributes to its exceptional taste but also adds to the cost. Limited Yields: Unlike mass-producing coffee nations, Ethiopia’s production is smaller in scale, making its coffee a rare and valuable commodity.East African countries are best known for their special-grade coffee whose unique flavors lean towards fruity and floral. Kenya, Ethiopia, and Rwanda are leading growers of African coffee.Brazil leads the way in coffee exports & production according to the coffee export data of Brazil, followed by Vietnam and Colombia. The global demand for specialty coffee is on the rise, with countries like Ethiopia and Guatemala gaining popularity and production rates, as per the USDA.Ethiopia Ethiopia, with 472,000 Tons, is the birthplace of coffee and holds the top spot as Africa’s leading coffee producer. The country is famous for its unique varieties like Yirgacheffe, Sidamo, and Harrar, each offering distinct flavor profiles ranging from floral and citrusy to rich and wine-like.The price hike is driven by a perfect storm of factors. Coffee is traded on global stock exchanges, and speculation has inflated prices without benefiting the farmers. Meanwhile, extreme weather in top-producing countries like Brazil, Colombia, and Vietnam has led to poor harvests.
What is the largest coffee chain in South Africa?
Founded in Cape Town in 2001 and inspired by tradtional Portuguese street cafés, Vida e Caffè is the largest branded coffee chain in South Africa. Coffee price South Africa imports most of its coffee beans. Reduced coffee yields and currency fluctuations were major contributors to the rising prices.There are over 3000 cafes/coffee shops in South Africa, so you will need to ensure your café stands out. You can do this by offering international treats such as French profiteroles, Madeleine and Mille Feuille. You can also offer beverages such as Italian Affogato, Café Cubano and Irish Coffee.Trade Map data shows these countries make up 84% of South Africa’s coffee imports. While other countries have relatively stable production, the largest producers, Brazil and Vietnam, have had bad seasons. The consequence is lower production, which has increased coffee prices globally.In May 2025, Uganda emerged as Africa’s leading coffee exporter, delivering a record 47,606. Ethiopia’s previous achievements, the ministry said. In May 2025, Uganda’s volume exceeded Ethiopia’s 43,481.
Why is the price of coffee so high in South Africa?
A significant recent increase in coffee prices has resulted from the major coffee-producing countries experiencing extreme weather conditions, leading to reduced coffee yields. South Africa imports most of its coffee beans. Reduced coffee yields and currency fluctuations were major contributors to the rising prices. Starbucks still roasts the coffee for this brand despite having sold this subsidiary to Nestlé in 2022. Seattle’s Best Coffee is generally less expensive than Starbucks, its former parent, and is marketed as more of a working class coffee compared to the upmarket Starbucks.Domaine Rautenbach, senior brand manager at Jacobs Coffee, told Bizcommunity that global supply chain disruptions, currency fluctuations, and rising production costs are key drivers of increasing coffee prices.A Nestlé spokesperson said pricing in stores was the decision of individual retailers, but added: “Like every manufacturer, we have seen significant increases in the cost of coffee, making it much more expensive to manufacture our products.
Who is Africa’s largest exporter of coffee?
Uganda Becomes Africa’s Top Coffee Exporter, Surpassing Ethiopia. Uganda has overtaken Ethiopia to become Africa’s leading coffee exporter, marking a pivotal moment for the continent’s agricultural landscape. In terms of market value, the five largest importers of tea in 2024 were Pakistan, the United States, the United Kingdom, the United Arab Emirates, and Russia. Together, these nations accounted for 31.As Africa’s largest tea producer and the third largest globally, Kenya is a critical player in the global tea supply chain. In 2024, Kenya exported over 594.
What is the coffee capital of South Africa?
Origin Coffee pioneered Cape Town’s reputation for being South Africa’s coffee capital and for having the best purveyors of good, locally roasted coffee in South Africa. Today there are numerous cafés and eateries scattered across the Cape that roast their own coffees, but few offer a professional coffee tasting. South Africa’s Diverse Coffee Regions Despite not being a major coffee-producing country, South Africa boasts a few regions where coffee cultivation is gaining traction. Thanks to their suitable sub-tropical climates, the following regions have become popular for growing coffee: Mpumalanga.South Africa grows both types of coffee beans (Robusta and Arabica), which are the two most common and mostly produced coffee beans globally. The two vary in caffeine content, taste, and roast. The robusta has a high caffeine concentration and a less delightful taste and is mostly used in instant coffees.We only use 100% arabica beans, so you can enjoy the delicious, high quality coffee these beans help create. Arabica can be elegant. It can be complex. It can have an interesting body and acidity that can be used and played with and blended into new, interesting tastes.While one isn’t necessarily better than the other, most people seem to prefer Arabica over Robusta because it tastes better. Arabica is smoother and sweeter while Robusta is infamous for its bitter and traditional coffee flavor.Vietnamese robusta coffee is known for its strong, full-bodied flavor, often used in instant coffee production and blending with coffee arabica to obtain a more balanced taste.