Vietnam: a growing country in the coffee sector

Vietnam, the world's second largest producer of coffee

With its tropical climate and summer monsoon rains, Vietnam stands out as a fascinating Asian country. Its population, concentrated mainly on the river deltas, finds a vital means of subsistence in the fertile land. Agriculture, forestry and fishing represent the main work activities of the Vietnamese people.

But there is a sector that has gained more and more importance in the country: coffee production. Vietnam has established itself as the second largest coffee producer in the world after Brazil. This steady growth of the Vietnamese coffee industry is a testament to the skill and commitment of its farmers.
Vietnamese coffee plantations produce high-quality beans that meet the needs of international consumers. The combination of favorable climatic conditions and the dedication of Vietnamese producers has contributed to the success of the coffee industry in the country.

Vietnam has become a point of reference in the coffee sector, with constant growth in exports and growing recognition of the quality of its products. Innovation and adaptation to new market trends have made Vietnamese coffee an increasingly sought-after option for coffee lovers around the world.
As Vietnam continues to thrive in the coffee sector, it is clear that the passion and commitment of its producers are key to maintaining its position of prominence. With its wealth of natural resources and the dedication of the people who work in its industry, Vietnam promises to offer increasingly extraordinary coffee experiences in the future.

Coffee cultivation in Vietnam: Robusta and Arabica

Coffee was introduced to Vietnam by French colonists in the 19th century. Initially, coffee consumption in Vietnam was limited to settlers and nobility. However, over time, coffee production expanded. Although Vietnam has grown coffee for over a century, it was only in the 1980s that local authorities began to fully understand the potential of this precious resource. Since then, they have invested in intensifying the production of Robusta coffee, which represents over 94% of local production, and in 'expansion of Arabica coffee production in the northern area of ​​the country. Robusta coffee production is concentrated in the central plateau provinces of Dak Lak, Dong Nay, Lam Dong and Gialai Kontum, while coffee cultivation is developed in the northern provinces of Lanson, Coaban, Hoabinh, Sonla, Laichan, Nghean and Quangtri Arabica.

Key drivers of the growth of the coffee industry in Vietnam

Several key factors have contributed to the expansion and growth of coffee exports to Vietnam. These factors include labor resettlement, foreign assistance, and the profitability of coffee cultivation. Coffee played a fundamental role in the country's transition to a period of peace after two long wars and is strongly linked to Vietnamese identity. Domestic coffee consumption is increasing at significant rates.

Challenges for the Vietnamese coffee industry

The main problems facing the Vietnamese coffee industry are global warming and the modernization of plantations. Vietnam is particularly vulnerable to the effects of climate change. Due to its geographical location, the country faces the risk of coastal flooding in low-lying areas, increasingly intense and frequent typhoons, and drought in mountainous regions. These phenomena are amplified by global warming and can have serious consequences for communities and the environment.

Agricultural activity in Vietnam is also made dangerous by the presence of unexploded munitions left by the United States during the Vietnam War. These bombs, still present in the ground, represent a constant threat to the population. Cluster munition removal efforts and training of the population, especially children, to deal with this situation are ongoing.

Coffee cultivation in Vietnam

In 1857, Bourbon coffee was brought to Vietnam and began to be grown in the Annam region. During the Vietnam War, coffee production was stopped, but with the end of the war, most agriculture was collectivized by the government.

Economic Reforms and the Growth of Coffee Production

In 1985, state plantations accounted for 70 percent of the coffee land in Dak Lak, Gia Lai and Kon Tum provinces. Subsequently, in 1986, with Doi Moi's economic reforms, the Vietnamese Communist Party introduced a socialist-oriented market economy. This allowed private companies to work in the production of goods, including coffee. Since then, Vietnam's coffee production has grown rapidly, nearly tripling between 1995 and 1999, to become the world's second largest exporter.

Topography and climate suitable for coffee cultivation

Southwest Asia has a complex and fascinating topography, with mountains and slopes that feature many regional microclimates, ideal for the production of different species of coffee. Almost all types of coffee can be grown in these areas, up to an altitude of about 3.600 meters.
The Vietnamese coffee landscape produces some Arabica (Catimor), Excelsa (sometimes called Chari), Liberica, and most importantly, Robusta .

Vietnamese Coffee: Traditional Roasting Process

For decades, a slow and long roasting procedure has been followed for Vietnamese coffee, which produces beans that are uniform and dark without being burned. Additionally, the use of clarified butter-oil (commonly known as ghee) and a small amount of sugar, often with a hint of vanilla or cocoa, it gives the kernels a coating that makes them look like candy. This traditional technique is not used on all Vietnamese coffee production, but it remains an entrenched practice, making the beans ready for the slow roasting process.

Production and Preparation Methods of Vietnamese Coffee

The most common way to prepare coffee in Vietnam is with the use of disposable filters known as "phin". The coffee is served while it is still being brewed. Other methods of preparing coffee in Vietnam include coffee with yogurt, blended coffee with fresh fruit, and coffee with sapodilla, a local fruit.

Recognizing the quality and excellence of coffee beans from this nation, Cellini, a company expert in quality coffee, carefully selects the best Vietnamese coffees to create its own unique blends. The partnership with Vietnamese producers allows you to offer your customers an extraordinary coffee experience and enjoy the distinctive flavors and unique characteristics of fine Vietnamese coffees.