(last updated Nov 2006)
MCR gets asked all range of questions re, the facts relating to coffee. We have therefore put the snippets into a list for your information. Over time we will endeavour to update this with additional info on other aspects of coffee, including economics and market information.
COFFEE (Itself)
There are two main species of bean, arabica and robusta. Both thrive in equatorial regions. Robusta is grown at lower altitudes, 0 to 700 metres, and has a high yield per plant and high caffeine content (1.7 to 4.0%). It accounts for about 30% of world production. Robusta has a stronger flavour than arabica with a full body and a woody aftertaste which is useful in creating blends and especially useful in instant coffee.
Robusta is mainly grown in the following regions:
Arabica grows at higher altitudes, 1000 to 2000 metres, and while it has a lower yield and less caffeine content (0.8 to 1.4%) it is widely recognised to be superior to robusta. Arabica accounts for about 70% of world production, although only about 10% of this yields "grand cru" beans. Arabica has a delicate acidic flavour, a refined aroma and a caramel aftertaste.
Arabica is mainly grown in the following regions:
Many of the cheaper blends have a higher proportion of robusta compared to arabica. Some high quality blends use a small quantity of the very best robusta beans to give body and character to the blends, particularly in espresso blends.
Coffee Economics
Notes:
Global Retail Sales in 2003 $USD70 Bn (source unknown, just the figure everyone tosses around)
Price per pound in 1997 was $3USD per pound ($6.6 per Kilogram), in 2001 it was $.4117 per lb ($1.04 Per Kilogram).