Robusta (Coffea canephora)

Coffee is much more than just a beverage: it represents a coffee culture rooted in the traditions, economy, environment , and daily lives of millions of people around the world. 

Global coffee production is based on two main species: Coffea arabica and Coffea canephora , better known as Robusta coffee . Although Arabica is often associated with high-quality coffee , Robusta plays a fundamental role in the balance of the coffee industry, both due to its resistance to disease and its adaptability to harsh climatic conditions .

Origin and geographical distribution

Native to the forests of Central Africa, particularly the Congo River basin, Coffea canephora was identified as a plant with strong agricultural potential as early as the 19th century. Today, it is cultivated in several coffee-producing countries , mainly in Africa , Southeast Asia (notably Vietnam and Indonesia), and Latin America , where Costa Rica and other Central and South American countries are showing increasing interest in its cultivation.

Vietnam is currently the world's largest producer of Robusta coffee, followed by Brazil , which combines both Arabica and Robusta crops. Robusta coffee accounts for approximately 35 to 40% of global coffee production , or several million 60 kg bags each year.

Growing conditions and characteristics

Robusta coffee differs from Arabica in its robustness (as the name suggests), its higher caffeine content (between 2% and 4% compared to 1% to 1.5% for Arabica), and its ability to thrive in more rigorous growing conditions .

It grows at lower altitudes , between 200 and 800 meters, in warmer and more humid environments, with ideal temperatures between 24°C and 30°C. It also requires less shade, tolerates poorer soils, and is naturally resistant to certain diseases such as coffee rust.

These attributes make it an economically advantageous crop, especially in areas where the tropical climate becomes more difficult for Arabica. As a result, many small producers, often with limited resources or labor , choose Robusta to limit production costs while ensuring a good yield.

Treatment methods

Natural processing is the most common method for Robusta coffee beans . In this process, the cherries are sun-dried with the pulp still attached, allowing the natural sugars to penetrate the bean. This processing method is particularly suited to hot, dry climates and regions with limited water resources.

Although this process can give the coffee a more rustic taste, it is very popular in certain types of coffee , especially espresso coffee , as the robusta adds body, crema and a bitter depth that is highly sought after in traditional Italian blends.

Sensory profile and consumer perception

Robusta beans are generally rounder and smaller than Arabica beans. Their green coffee has a paler, sometimes yellowish, color.

In the cup, Robusta coffee has a more full-bodied, bitter, and earthy taste. It also contains more dissolved solids, which enhances the body of the coffee. For these reasons, it is often used in espresso blends or in the production of instant coffee .

However, growing interest in specialty coffee is encouraging some producers to seek out robusta coffee varieties with higher sensory quality. Research programs conducted by organizations such as World Coffee Research are supporting this transformation by promoting the selection of heritage robusta coffees with refined flavor profiles.

State of world coffee production

In 2023/2024, world coffee production reached 178 million 60 kg bags , an increase of 5.8% compared to the previous year. Of this production, 102.2 million bags are Arabica , representing about 58% of the total, while Robusta constitutes 42% , or 75.8 million bags .

Brazil remains the largest producer, accounting for 30.8% of global production, followed by Vietnam (mainly Robusta) with 17.7% , Indonesia at 6.8% and Colombia with 6.1 % , mainly Arabica.

Global coffee prices are expected to increase by 38.8% in 2023/2024, largely due to adverse weather conditions in several producing regions. Vietnam saw its production decline by 20% due to droughts, while Indonesia saw a 16.5% drop due to excessive rains.

Global exports reached a record high of 137.3 million bags , with an increase of 11.7% over the previous year, particularly in green coffee exports.

Economic issues and sustainability

Economically, Robusta offers significant potential. Its lower production costs and high yields allow producers to generate more stable incomes. In some coffee-producing countries , it has become a viable solution to losses caused by disease or the effects of climate change on Arabica coffee.

In times of climate uncertainty, producers are relying on robust varieties that require fewer chemical inputs and are more resistant to rising temperatures. Robusta meets these expectations, strengthening its role in global coffee production .

An increase in quality

Although long considered a lesser-quality coffee, Robusta coffee is gradually undergoing a reevaluation, thanks in part to agronomic research on its varieties. Initiatives to improve fermentation, refine processing methods , and experiment with controlled natural processing are paving the way for a Robusta specialty coffee worthy of the name.

Comparative tastings show that some well-processed varieties can compete with mid-range Arabicas. This shift is essential to offer more options to coffee consumers , whose preferences evolve with product knowledge and access to a more informed coffee culture .

Global consumption and the future

Global coffee consumption continues to rise, with more than millions of cups consumed worldwide every day. Coffee-producing countries must adapt to meet this growing demand. Robusta, with its efficiency and resilience, is expected to occupy an even more important place in coffee production in the coming years.

With changing tastes and growing interest in sustainability, coffee made from quality robusta may well become a mainstay of the next generation of specialty coffees . The rise of cooperatives and local initiatives in Central America , Africa , and Southeast Asia is reinforcing this trend.

Conclusion

Robusta coffee is no longer just a budget-friendly alternative: it is becoming a central part of the new global coffee culture .

Thanks to its agronomic qualities, its role in the diversification of taste profiles, and the evolution of processing practices, it offers real prospects for the future in a context marked by climate change and the evolution of coffee consumer expectations . It is a variety to follow closely, as much for its technical qualities as for its potential in terms of high-quality coffee .

References

World Coffee Research. (2024). Coffea canephora (Robusta) . https://varieties.worldcoffeeresearch.org/varieties

WeDrinks. (2024). Robusta Coffee: A Giant in Global Coffee Production. wedrinks.ma/robusta-coffee-a-giant-in-global-coffee-production/

Serious Eats. (2023). Robusta May Be the Future of Coffee—Here's How to Try It . https://www.seriouseats.com/robusta-coffee-7187395

International Coffee Organization (ICO). (2024). Coffee Market Report . https://www.ico.org

Specialty Coffee Association. (2024). Robusta and the Future of Specialty Coffee . https://sca.coffee

FAO. (2024). Coffee production statistics 2023. Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations. Accessed April 2025. https://www.fao.org/faostat

International Coffee Organization (ICO). (2024). World coffee production by country and type (2023) . Accessed April 2025 from https://www.ico.org