Asia
🇻🇳Vietnam Coffee
Vietnam is the world 's second-largest coffee producer and the largest producer of Robusta ( Coffea canephora ). Coffee production has transformed Vietnam from a minor grower to a global powerhouse since the 1990s.
Key Takeaways
- Vietnam was not a major coffee producer until the 1990s, when economic reforms (Doi Moi) spurred rapid expansion.
- Vietnam produces over 40% of the world's Robusta supply.
- Vietnam has a unique coffee culture centered on phin brewing, producing a strong drip coffee often served with condensed milk (ca phe sua da).
Vietnam is the world 's second-largest coffee producer and the largest producer of Robusta ( Coffea canephora ). Coffee production has transformed Vietnam from a minor grower to a global powerhouse since the 1990s.
Vietnam is the world's second-largest coffee producer and the largest producer of Robusta (Coffea canephora). Coffee production has transformed Vietnam from a minor grower to a global powerhouse since the 1990s.
Elevation
200-1500m
Climate
Tropical monsoon climate with a distinct dry season from November to April and a rainy season from May to October. The Central Highlands provide ideal conditions for Robusta cultivation.
Harvest
October - January
Processing
Natural, Washed
Rainfall
1,500-2,500mm annually, with a distinct monsoon pattern: a wet season from May to October and a dry season from November to April.
Soil
Red basaltic soils (ferralsols), rich in iron and aluminum, well-suited for Robusta cultivation.
Annual Production
Approximately 25-30 million 60kg bags (predominantly Robusta)
Geography
Coffee is grown primarily in the Central Highlands (Tay Nguy...
History of Coffee Cultivation
Coffee was introduced to Vietnam by the French in the mid-19th century during colonial rule. After decades of disruption from war and collectivization, Vietnam's coffee industry experienced explosive growth following economic reforms (Doi Moi) in 1986. Vietnam is now the world's second-largest coffee producer and the largest producer of Robusta (Canephora) coffee.
Timeline of Coffee Production
Geography and Climate
Coffee is grown primarily in the Central Highlands (Tay Nguyen) region, especially in Dak Lak, Lam Dong, Gia Lai, and Kon Tum provinces, on plateaus at 200-800 meters elevation.
Climate: Tropical monsoon climate with a distinct dry season from November to April and a rainy season from May to October. The Central Highlands provide ideal conditions for Robusta cultivation.
Rainfall: 1,500-2,500mm annually, with a distinct monsoon pattern: a wet season from May to October and a dry season from November to April.
Soil: Red basaltic soils (ferralsols), rich in iron and aluminum, well-suited for Robusta cultivation.
Major Producing Regions
Harvest and Processing
Harvest Season: October - January
Processing Methods
Coffee Varieties Grown
Arabica Varieties
Robusta Varieties
Cup Profile and Tasting Notes
Vietnamese Robusta is known for its strong, bold, and bitter profile with notes of dark chocolate, nuts, and earth. It is a primary component in traditional...
Typical Tasting Notes
Production and Economic Importance
Annual Production: Approximately 25-30 million 60kg bags (predominantly Robusta)
Coffee is Vietnam's second-most-valuable agricultural export after rice. The sector supports approximately 2.6 million people, mostly smallholders.
Major Exporters
Sustainability and Climate
Climate Change Impacts: Rising temperatures and changing rainfall patterns are reducing the suitable area for Robusta. Some highland areas face increasing pest pressure.
Sustainability Initiatives
- •UTZ certification programs
- •Sustainable Agriculture Network partnerships
- •World Coffee Research collaboration
Common Certifications
Facts and Culture
Regional Brewing Traditions: Vietnam's signature brew is the phin, a small metal drip filter that produces a concentrated cup. Ca phe sua da combines phin-brewed coffee with sweetened condensed milk over ice.
Interesting Facts
- •Vietnam was not a major coffee producer until the 1990s, when economic reforms (Doi Moi) spurred rapid expansion.
- •Vietnam produces over 40% of the world's Robusta supply.
- •Vietnam has a unique coffee culture centered on phin brewing, producing a strong drip coffee often served with condensed milk (ca phe sua da).
Common Misconceptions
- •Vietnam does not only grow Robusta. Arabica is grown in the cooler highlands of Lam Dong and Son La, though it is a small percentage of total production.
- •Vietnamese Robusta is not inherently low quality. Fine Robusta programs are emerging, and well-processed lots can rival some Arabicas.
Coffee Tourism
Coffee tours are available in the Central Highlands, particularly around Da Lat (Lam Dong) and Buon Ma Thuot (Dak Lak). Visitors can tour estates and experience traditional phin brewing.
Famous Farms
Research Institutions
Related Book Chapters
- •Chapter 2: Coffee Origins
- •Chapter 11: Asian Coffees
Related Articles
Frequently Asked Questions
Sources
- •International Coffee Organization (ICO)
- •USDA Foreign Agricultural Service
- •Vietnam Coffee-Cocoa Association (VICOFA)
- •World Coffee Research
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Keith E. Lyons
Author, Researcher & Coffee Educator
Keith E. Lyons is the author of The Complete World of Coffee and the publisher behind Lyons Den Publishing. A licensed trauma therapist turned specialty coffee writer, Keith blends scientific rigor with genuine passion for the craft of coffee.
Last Reviewed
August 21, 2026
Sources & References
(4)Claims are cited to verifiable sources. Peer-reviewed research is marked.
- 1International Coffee Organization (ICO)
- 2USDA Foreign Agricultural Service
- 3Vietnam Coffee-Cocoa Association (VICOFA)
- 4World Coffee Research
Authoritative References
Editorial Standards
- • Fact-checked against peer-reviewed coffee science research and industry standards.
- • Reviewed by the author with documented sources for every factual claim.
- • Updated regularly; the "Last Reviewed" date reflects the most recent verification.
- • Corrections are made promptly when new research or evidence emerges.
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