In the intricate world of coffee cultivation, the journey of Canephora coffee unfolds against the backdrop of logistical hurdles and climate challenges faced by traditional producers. Vietnam, a significant player in the global coffee scene, confronts disruptions in supply chains due to logistic issues in the Red Sea and adverse effects of climate change on its coffee production. It is within this context that the resilient Brazilian conilon variety emerges as a notable and replaceable alternative, poised to address the current challenges.

In the following exploration, we delve into the nuanced comparison between Canephora coffee from Vietnam, predominantly represented by robusta, and its Brazilian counterpart, conilon. As we navigate the intricacies of these two Canephora varieties, we unravel not only their distinct flavors but also the sustainability aspects that make them pivotal in shaping the evolving landscape of global coffee choices. Join us in this comparative journey, where Canephora coffee takes center stage, offering a blend of tradition, adaptability, and sustainable solutions.

Vietnamese coffee tradition

Vietnam boasts a rich coffee culture dating back to the 19th century, making it one of the world’s leading robusta producers. Today, it stands as the second-largest global coffee contributor, with 20% of the total output. Notably, Vietnam’s focus on robusta beans accounts for 97% of its coffee production. The country’s coffee journey, shaped by historical events, has faced challenges post the Vietnam War, with Germany playing a pivotal role as a major supporter and customer. Unfortunately, this year presents new challenges as access to their renowned coffee is restricted, a consequence of conflicts in the Red Sea and adverse climate changes. Despite these obstacles, Vietnam’s unique coffee tradition, influenced by robusta preferences, continues. However, there’s an unmet demand, particularly from key markets like the United States and Germany, impacting the industry’s potential growth.

Logistic and environment challenges

In recent weeks, the attacks by Houthi rebels on ships in the Red Sea have significantly impacted the logistics of robusta coffee exports, particularly from Vietnam, the world’s largest producer of this coffee variety. The disruptions in cargo transportation through the Suez Canal, resulting from the conflict between Israel and Hamas, have led to a surge in futures prices for robusta coffee on the London Stock Exchange, reaching a record high of $3,220 per tonne.

These logistical challenges have forced European roasters, who traditionally sourced coffee from Southeast Asia, to explore alternative origins, including Brazil. The conflict in the Red Sea has prompted 345 ships to reroute around Africa since November, causing a notable increase in logistics costs. Sea freight costs from Vietnam to European ports have risen sharply, reaching $5,000 per container, mainly due to the difficulty in securing space at Vietnamese ports and delayed coffee shipments.

Apart from the logistics issues, Vietnam’s coffee production has been adversely affected by weather-related challenges, including shifts in rain patterns and climate changes. The 2023/24 harvest is expected to total 26.6 million bags, down from the initial estimate of 30.2 million bags in June 2023, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA).

Canephora coffee from brazil: the alternitive 

As a consequence of these challenges, Brazilian conilon coffee is emerging as a viable alternative for European buyers, especially with its relatively more affordable pricing. The president of the Brazilian Coffee Exporters Council (Cecafé), Márcio Ferreira, highlighted the growing demand for Brazilian conilon amid the Red Sea attacks. While Vietnam may seek alternative land routes, such as through the United Arab Emirates, the situation is providing an opportunity for Brazilian producers to increase their market share.

In 2023, Brazil exported 4.708 million bags of conilon, and experts anticipate a gradual rise in the global value of Brazil’s conilon due to its quality and production capacity, potentially boosting exports in the coming years.

Brazil’s robusta prowess is particularly evident in its clonal propagation of Canephora coffee, establishing the country as a global reference in robusta coffee production. The state of Espírito Santo, with its decades-long tradition of eucalyptus cloning, has played a pivotal role in intensifying Brazil’s position as the second-largest producer of robusta coffee worldwide.

A notable advantage of Canephora coffee is its lower reliance on chemical pesticides, making it a sustainable and economically viable choice for coffee cultivation. This aligns with the global trend towards environmentally friendly and ethically produced commodities, further bolstering the appeal of Brazilian robusta.

Flavor-wise, Canephora coffee boasts a distinct profile, making it an ideal choice for espresso blends. Its robust and bold taste enhances the experience of milk-based beverages, showcasing a good body and strength. Despite having double the caffeine content of arabica coffee, ongoing research aims to improve the quality of robusta, expanding its potential applications.

Canephora Coffee: Types and Their Technical Differences

Canephora coffee, known as robusta or conilon, consists of several varieties with distinct technical and general differences. The two primary types within the Canephora species, robusta and conilon, showcase variations in growth habits, stem characteristics, leaf morphology, maturation processes, disease resistance, and more.

Technical differences, as summarized in Table 1:

Taste and Usage Profile Differences Between Conilon and Robusta:

The exploration of Canephora coffee varieties, particularly robusta and conilon, extends beyond technical distinctions to the sensory realm of taste and usage profiles. These two varieties, originating from the Canephora species, showcase unique flavors, caffeine content, and applications in the world of coffee.

In summary, the sensory journey of conilon and robusta transcends technical distinctions, providing coffee enthusiasts with distinctive choices that cater to varying preferences and coffee experiences.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the Brazilian version of Canephora coffee, particularly the conilon variety, emerges as an exceptional and viable replacement for Vietnamese robusta amid the challenges posed by logistical issues in the Red Sea and climate changes affecting Vietnam’s coffee production.

Brazilian conilon stands out as a robust alternative, not only providing a solution to the immediate disruptions but also showcasing sustainable cultivation practices. With a reduced need for chemical pesticides, Brazilian conilon offers a resilient and environmentally conscious choice for coffee cultivation.

As Vietnam faces constraints in robusta supply due to logistic problems and climate shifts, the qualities of Brazilian conilon become increasingly relevant. Its capacity to meet demand, coupled with sustainable farming practices, positions Brazilian conilon as a reliable and environmentally friendly solution to ensure a consistent and high-quality coffee supply in the face of evolving global challenges. With Farmly you have access to the best brazilian conilon available, if you’re interested in trying them don’t miss the chance to request some samples.