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Beginning of Robusta era?

Earlier we already mentioned the shortage of coffee
beans for the last two years, so reserving Robusta became
a plan B. At the same time, there are few companies that
can produce, roast and sell Robusta. And there is an ob-
vious question: in a situation of climate changes, aren’t
Robusta sales going to grow?
Even though Robusta is one of the most sold types
of coffee, but it has special characteristics: same amount
of beans will have twice caffeine than in Arabica and has
less sweetness. Italy is the first country to use Robusta,
also Vietnam and Malaysia widely use it, as well as in
Taiwan; nowadays Robusta is the most used commercial
kind of coffee.
According to Vietnamese September issue of “Eco-
nomic Times”, Vietnam Western Highlands green coffee
prices have reached $1771-1794/ton, compared with
the end of August $176.76 /ton and $441.89/ton year
before. Starting in June with the price of $1650 per ton,
now the price is higher for more than $200, $1900/ton,
precisely. According to Vietnamese experts analysis,
the main reason of Robusta higher prices is imbalance
between demand and supply. First 8 months of 2016
brought Vietnam $2 billion 250 million with 1 million
270 thousand tons of coffee sold, which is more than last
year by 20.7% and 39.9%. Vietnam has already exported
the most part of Robusta and domestic stocks are almost
empty, while Brazilian and Indonesian Robusta is not
enough to satisfy market needs.
The annual trade data shows coffee consumption
growth, but at the same time, due to climate and environ-
ment changes, coffee production is pretty slow. If annual
rate of consumption continues to grow by 2%, does it
mean that the gap between demand and supply going to
be bigger and bigger? Or it will stimulate Robusta con-
sumption?
Regarding this matter, SCAA worked on initiatives
for different roles in the industry chain:

Coffee farmers to reduce coffee trees temperature,
farmers can plant it in shade, also they can select more
resistant to insects and rusts type of plants.

Baristas and roasters using clients’ feedback, can help
coffee suppliers and producers to work on stable quality
and quantity under climate change conditions.

Coffee consumers by buying the bag with fare trade tag,
they can also make an impact. And the most direct way
to help is to stop using disposable cups and try to use
personal reusable cups.

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