Honduras

Honduras is the largest coffee producer in Central America, known for its rich volcanic soil, diverse microclimates, and beans with bright, fruity, and chocolatey flavor notes. Despite its scale, Honduran coffee has often flown under the radar compared to neighbours like Guatemala or Colombia, but in recent decades it has gained global recognition for quality and variety

Why Honduran Coffee Stands Out

Ideal growing conditions: Mountainous terrain, fertile volcanic soil, and varied altitudes create unique flavor profiles.

Government investment: Over the past 50 years, Honduras has invested heavily in improving coffee quality and infrastructure.

Resilient producers: Farmers have overcome challenges like poor infrastructure and coffee leaf rust, innovating with new processing techniques.

 Flavor Profiles

Bright acidity with citrus or tropical fruit notes.

Sweetness often reminiscent of caramel or honey.

Balanced body with chocolate or nutty undertones.

Regional differences matter beans from Marcala, Copán, or Santa Bárbara each have distinct taste signatures.

Global Impact

Honduras exports millions of bags annually, making coffee one of its most important economic drivers.

Specialty coffee from Honduras is increasingly featured in competitions and high-end cafés worldwide.

Sales have approached $1.9 billion in recent years, underscoring its global importance

Honduras is one of the world’s top coffee exporters, with exports reaching over 5 million 60‑kg bags annually, generating nearly $1.9 billion in revenue in the 2024–2025 season.

Export Volumes

2023/24 season: Honduras exported about 5 million bags, down from 5.3 million the previous year due to coffee rust and labour shortages.

2024/25 forecast: The Honduran Coffee Export Association (ADECAFEH) projects 4.95 million bags, an 8% increase compared to the prior season.

Recent growth: By mid‑2025, exports had risen to 5.27 million bags, a 3% increase year‑on‑year.

Economic Impact

Coffee exports generated $1.878 billion in revenue for Honduras in 2024–2025.

Coffee contributes over 30% of Honduras’ agricultural GDP and about 3% of global GDP.

The industry supports hundreds of thousands of smallholder farmers, making it a cornerstone of rural livelihoods.

Export Destinations

The United States, Germany, and Belgium are the top buyers, accounting for nearly 59% of Honduran coffee exports.

Other important markets include Italy, France, and the UK, reflecting strong demand in Europe.

 Challenges & Opportunities

Challenges: Coffee leaf rust disease, labor shortages, and fluctuating global prices.

Opportunities: Specialty coffee growth, improved processing methods, and certifications (organic, fair trade) that boost value.

Honduras has been investing in quality improvements and traceability systems, helping its coffee gain recognition in specialty markets worldwide.