One of the most consumed beverages worldwide is coffee, and the US is among the top countries in the world for coffee consumption. However, the nation greatly depends on imports because it does not produce coffee in sufficient amounts. The United States imports coffee from many different nations around the world, but a select handful stand out as the main suppliers.
Brazil, Colombia, Honduras, Peru, and Vietnam are the top five exporters of coffee to the United States. Brazil tops the list of countries that export coffee to the United States and is the world’s largest producer of the beverage. Brazil accounted for more than one-third of the $4.5 billion in coffee imports to the United States in 2019.
Colombian coffee is known for its superior quality, and it is the second-largest supplier of coffee to the United States. Colombian coffee makes up around 15% of the coffee that the United States imports. As key coffee exporters to the US, Colombia is closely followed by Honduras, Peru, and Vietnam.
Can you now import coffee and profit from it? Yes, coffee importation may be a successful business. But given that it includes navigating a number of issues like logistics, rules, and customs, it is not a simple task. Additionally, given how fiercely competitive the coffee industry is, tiny importers may find it difficult to compete with well-established firms.
How much coffee does the US import, then, as we move on? As was previously reported, the United States imported coffee worth $4.5 billion in 2019, or almost 29 million bags. The United States has an increasing appetite for coffee, and in the upcoming years, additional coffee imports are anticipated in the nation.
Lastly, in 2020, who will sell the most coffee in America? According to a recent report, Starbucks had a market share of approximately 40% in 2020 and was the top coffee retailer in the country. With a market share of about 25%, Dunkin’ (previously Dunkin’ Donuts) was not far behind. McDonald’s, Tim Hortons, and Peet’s Coffee are other prominent competitors in the US coffee business.
In conclusion, the leading exporters of coffee to the United States are Brazil, Colombia, Honduras, Peru, and Vietnam. The country that exports the most coffee is Colombia. Coffee importation can be a lucrative industry, but it demands careful preparation and execution. Starbucks and Dunkin’ lead the US market in terms of coffee consumption, and there is a rising demand for the beverage nationwide.
FDA permission is not required for the importation or sale of coffee in the US. The FDA does, however, control some parts of coffee production, such as the use of particular additives or processing techniques that might be harmful to consumers. Additionally, food safety laws must be followed and importers and distributors of coffee are subject to FDA inspections.