Nicaragua

Nicaragua Coffee Origin Nicaraguan coffee is prized worldwide for its smooth body, balanced Flavors, and rich heritage. It’s typically Arabica beans grown in high-altitude regions like Jinotega, Matagalpa, and Nueva Segovia, producing notes of chocolate, nuts, fruit, and caramel sweetness

Key Characteristics

Bean type: Primarily Arabica, including rare Maragogype “elephant beans” known for their large size.

Flavor profile: medium body, mild acidity, with Flavors ranging from chocolate and nuts to bright fruit and citrus.

Aroma: Sweet chocolate and floral notes are common, making it appealing to connoisseurs

Major Growing Regions

Jinotega: The largest and most famous coffee region often considered the best in Nicaragua.

Matagalpa: Produces smooth, balanced coffees with nutty and fruity notes.

Nueva Segovia: Known for bright, citrus-forward coffees with floral undertones

History & Heritage

Coffee cultivation began in the late 18th century, becoming a cornerstone of Nicaragua’s economy.

Small family farms and cooperatives dominate production, emphasizing sustainability and fair trade practices.

Despite challenges like climate change and political instability, Nicaragua remains one of Central America’s largest coffee producers

Why It’s Special

Sustainability: Many farms use eco-friendly methods and support local communities.

Unique beans: The Maragogype variety offers a distinctive, mellow flavor.

Tourism: Coffee farm tours in Jinotega and Matagalpa let visitors experience the process firsthand.

Nicaragua is a major coffee exporter, with the United States as its top destination. In 2023, Nicaragua exported $719 million worth of coffee, making it the country’s 4th largest export product and ranking it 18th globally among coffee exporters.

Export Scale & Value

Export value (2023): $719 million

Global share: 1.68% of world coffee exports

Ranking: 18th largest coffee exporter worldwide

Importance: Coffee is consistently one of Nicaragua’s top export commodities, vital to its economy

Main Export Destinations

United States: $341 million in 2023, nearly half of Nicaragua’s coffee exports

Other markets: Europe, Canada, and Asia (with Chinese Taipei being one of the fastest-growing buyers)

Production & Outlook

Harvest forecast (2025/26): 2.58 million 60-kg bags

Recovery: Production rebounded in 2024/25 after El Niño disruptions in 2023/2

Challenges: Limited access to long-term credit, labour shortages, and logistical delays in Central America

Historical Context

Coffee became Nicaragua’s principal export crop by the 1870s, holding that position for over a century

Regions like Matagalpa and Jinotega remain the backbone of export-quality coffee