Coffee is not only a familiar beverage but also a high-value agricultural product exported worldwide. However, coffee prices are not fixed; they constantly fluctuate over time. In this article, Goce Coffee will provide you with a detailed explanation of this issue.

What is coffee production cost?

Coffee production cost is understood as the total expenses required to produce a complete coffee product, starting from cultivation, harvesting, and processing to the point when it reaches consumers. Simply put, it is the amount of money that farmers or businesses must invest to generate value for each unit of coffee.

Understanding coffee production cost not only helps consumers evaluate the true quality and value of a product but also serves as an important foundation for businesses to build sustainable strategies and remain competitive in the market.

Factors Affecting coffee production cost

Below are some of the main factors that influence coffee production costs:

Production costs

The first and most important factor influencing coffee prices is production costs. These include:

• Seed costs: The quality of seeds directly impacts yield and productivity.
• Fertilizers and pesticides: A major expense to ensure healthy crop growth and pest resistance.
• Labor: Coffee farming and harvesting often require significant manual labor, making labor costs a substantial portion.
• Irrigation and farm operations: Water supply, machinery, and equipment used in production also add to the costs.

Natural conditions and climate

Coffee is affected not only by natural conditions but also by how farmers adapt to them. Regions with favorable climates help farmers reduce expenses for fertilizers, irrigation, and care, leading to more stable prices.

Conversely, in areas frequently hit by natural disasters or with poor soil fertility, production costs are much higher to maintain yields. This results in significant price differences between regions.

In addition, unpredictable weather patterns force farmers to invest in sustainable solutions such as drip irrigation systems, intercropping with shade trees, or applying agricultural technology. While these are additional costs, they ultimately enhance the value of coffee beans and improve competitiveness in the market.

See more: Discovering Vietnam's Coffee Season: The Golden Time for Bean Quality

Coffee variety and quality

Not all types of coffee hold the same value. While Robusta is more common and easier to cultivate, Arabica is considered the “queen” of coffee thanks to its delicate aroma, bright acidity, and demanding cultivation process. The strict care requirements and limited yields make Arabica far more expensive than Robusta.

Moreover, coffee bean quality is a decisive factor in pricing. Ripe, uniformly harvested, and properly processed beans produce premium products that can easily meet the standards of demanding markets and command higher prices. On the other hand, beans with impurities or technical flaws during processing significantly reduce both value and competitiveness.

Market fluctuations and supply – Demand dynamics

Global coffee prices are largely determined by supply and demand. When global demand rises—particularly in the U.S., Europe, and Asia—prices tend to go up. Conversely, when there is oversupply due to bumper harvests, prices often decline.

As the world’s second-largest coffee exporter, Vietnam is also affected by factors such as exchange rate fluctuations, export taxes, logistics costs, and international trade policies. In addition, free trade agreements (FTAs) help expand markets and increase the value of Vietnamese coffee.

Coffee production costs result from a combination of many factors, as Goce Coffee has explained above. If you have any further questions, feel free to leave them below—we will provide detailed answers as soon as possible.