Coffee: Arabica harvest progresses well in Brazil

A survey by Cepea reveals that the Arabica coffee harvest in the Cerrado Mineiro and Southern Minas regions has surpassed 50% of the expected total for the 2024/25 season. However, producers are worried about the grain quality, which is currently below expectations. The weight of the grains is lower than in previous years, leading to an increase in the unit cost of production. Despite field activities progressing well in Brazil, both Arabica and Robusta prices are on the rise due to a tight global supply, particularly of Robusta, and the low volume of grain from the new Brazilian harvest being available in the national spot.

A Cepea survey shows that the volume of Arabica coffee harvested in the Cerrado Mineiro and Southern Minas regions, important production hubs for the variety, has already exceeded half of the total expected for the 2024/25 season. Producers remain concerned about the quality of the grain, which is still below expectations. Since the beginning of the harvest, in the south of Minas, agents consulted by Cepea report that the weight of the grains is lower than that recorded in an equivalent period in previous years. With sieve beans below 17/18, coffee growers demand more beans to fill a bag, which, in turn, increases the unit cost of production. For Robusta, the harvest is approaching the final stretch. Agents consulted by Cepea also indicate that the quality is lower for drinking, and the grain has a lower sieve than expected. Even with field activities progressing well in Brazil, Arabica and Robusta prices continue to ...