Mexican Coffee Beans

Coffee trees were first introduced to Mexico around 1700, initially grown primarily on European-owned farms. Today, 85% of coffee farms in Mexico are managed by indigenous communities, and about 95% of these farms cover less than three hectares each, often lacking support from large corporations. Fortunately, the Mexican government and the National Indigenous Institute have collaborated to promote the development of the coffee industry.

Mexico is one of the largest exporters of certified organic coffee worldwide. Much of this success can be credited to the establishment of the National Coffee Institute (INMECAFE) approximately 40 years ago. Thanks to the institute's efforts, coffee became Mexico's most valuable agricultural export crop, representing 35% of total agricultural production by the mid-1980s, reaching a peak production of 440,000 tons by 1990.

In 2019, Mexico exported 2.6 million bags of coffee, less than 1% of global coffee exports, yet sufficient to place Mexico as the world's ninth-largest coffee exporter.

Flavor Profile

Mexican coffees generally have a lighter body, mild flavors, and subtle notes of tobacco. This mild yet intriguing profile allowed Mexican coffee to achieve scores above 90 points at the 2019 Cup of Excellence competition. Notably, Cruz José Arguello Miceli's Gesha won with an impressive score of 93.07 points, selling for $35.40 per pound. Judges praised its jasmine, bergamot, lemongrass, and vanilla flavors, highlighting its exceptional sweetness and creamy mouthfeel.

Coffee Varieties and Processing Methods

Mexico predominantly grows Arabica coffee, with Robusta accounting for approximately 3-4% of total production. Common varieties include Bourbon, Caturra, Maragogype, and Mundo Novo. Over 90% of Mexican coffee is processed using the washed method, while the remaining 10% is honey-processed or naturally sun-dried.

Main Coffee-Growing Regions in Mexico

Mexico's primary coffee regions include Veracruz, Chiapas, and Oaxaca. Each region possesses unique microclimates and growing conditions, producing coffee beans with distinct flavor profiles.

Veracruz

Veracruz was Mexico’s earliest coffee-growing region, situated inland at elevations ranging from 1,100 to 1,600 meters. Veracruz features advanced agricultural practices and numerous disease-resistant varieties. Coffees from Veracruz commonly offer bright acidity, juicy mouthfeel, sweetness, and aromas of red fruit, blueberries, and caramel.

Chiapas

Located along the Guatemalan border at elevations between 1,300 and 1,700 meters, Chiapas is Mexico’s largest coffee-producing region, accounting for around 40% of national production. However, Chiapas remains one of the poorest regions, with a GDP per capita of $7,249 in 2016. Chiapas coffees typically exhibit delightful flavors of chocolate, nuts, citrus, and lemon.

Oaxaca

Situated between Veracruz and Chiapas with the Pacific Ocean to the west, Oaxaca ranges in altitude from 900 to 1,650 meters. Here, many smallholders use traditional methods—approximately 70% still follow farming practices dating back to the 1980s—making it Mexico’s least technologically advanced coffee region. Nevertheless, Oaxaca coffees are highly sought-after, displaying bright acidity, caramel sweetness, yellow fruit notes, and creamy body.

Challenges Facing Mexican Coffee

The greatest challenge for Mexican coffee producers is consistently low coffee prices. On average, the cost to produce 45 kilograms of Arabica coffee is approximately $140, yet farmers earn only around $98. Such limited profitability leaves little capacity to invest in farm improvements, making producers vulnerable to natural disasters and disease outbreaks. For instance, the coffee rust epidemic of 2012 halved coffee exports, and the global coffee price crash in 2018 continues to affect recovery.

In response, small-scale producers have resorted to planting high-yield varieties to counteract low prices. Additionally, the government provides disease-resistant coffee varieties and assists farmers in obtaining certifications like Fair Trade or Rainforest Alliance, which can help achieve better market prices. However, these efforts alone remain insufficient to significantly improve the livelihoods of Mexico’s small-scale coffee growers, emphasizing the need for more substantial resources and support.