The coffee production in Mexico is the world’s 8th largest with 252,000 metric tonnes produced in 2009, and is mainly concentrated to the South central to Southern regions of the country. The coffee is mainly arabica, which grows particularly well in the coastal region of Soconusco, Chiapas, near the border of Guatemala.
The first exportation of coffee took place in 1802, according to data published in the External Commerce of Mexico, by Don Miguel Lerdo de Tejada. In the 1980’s, organic production was initiated and nowadays the organic production of coffee is a big sector in the Mexican coffee industry.
Ease of access and abundance of quality coffee has turned buyer’s interest towards Mexico in the recent years. This has helped elevate Mexico’s status from “blender” coffee to single-source and organic specialty offerings. Mexico is gaining new attention for its single origin, Fair-Trade and organic coffees. Some of this is due to the Mexican Coffee Council, which has been working to increase Mexican coffee’s reputation by implementing an official quality certification program.
