Latin America is known for producing some of the world’s finest specialty coffee, with countries such as Colombia, Brazil, Costa Rica, Guatemala, and Mexico being major coffee producers in Latin America’s players in the industry. Specialty coffee refers to coffee that has been graded 80 points or higher (out of 100) by certified Q-graders, who evaluate coffee based on its taste, aroma, and overall quality.
Colombia is one of the largest producers of specialty coffee in the world, with a reputation for producing mild, well-balanced coffee with a bright acidity and a clean, crisp finish. The country’s coffee is grown in the high-altitude Andes mountains, where the cooler temperatures and volcanic soil contribute to its distinctive flavor.
Brazil, on the other hand, is the largest coffee producer in the world, producing both specialty and commodity-grade coffee. Brazilian specialty coffee is known for its chocolatey, nutty flavor profile, and is often used as a base for espresso blends.
Costa Rica produces some of the most highly-regarded specialty coffee in the world, thanks to its ideal growing conditions: high-altitude farms, volcanic soil, and consistent rainfall. Costa Rican coffee is known for its bright acidity, medium body, and fruity notes.
Guatemala’s specialty coffee industry has been gaining recognition in recent years, with coffee farmers focusing on producing high-quality, specialty-grade coffee. Guatemalan coffee is often described as having a full body, with notes of chocolate and citrus.
Lastly, Mexico produces a smaller amount of specialty coffee, but is still highly regarded for its unique flavor profiles, which often feature notes of cinnamon and nuts, as well as a mild acidity.
Overall, specialty coffee from Latin America is highly sought after by coffee connoisseurs for its unique flavor profiles, and its contribution to the global coffee industry cannot be overstated.