Coffee Trade

From producer to importer: how green coffee moves through international markets.

From farm to export

Coffee may pass through local buyers, cooperatives, mills, exporters and logistics providers before reaching an importer or roaster.

Commodity and differentiated markets

Coffee can be traded as a commodity or through more differentiated contracts based on origin, quality, relationships and specifications. These systems can overlap.

The C market

Arabica futures pricing is commonly associated with the ICE coffee futures market and is one reference point for international pricing. Physical coffees can trade at differentials to that reference.

Robusta and other markets

Robusta has its own market dynamics and benchmark pricing. Currency, crop conditions, inventories and demand all affect prices.

Trade documentation

Commercial coffee can involve contracts, grades, certificates, shipping documents, customs requirements, traceability records and increasingly detailed due-diligence information.