Colombia has a long and deep-rooted tradition as a quality coffee producing and exporting country. Historically, the coffee sector laid the foundations for the country’s economic growth and development as well as the social fabric in rural areas.
PERSPECTIVE
The coffee sector is an important contributor to the socio-economic development of rural areas in Colombia, particularly in the post-conflict context. However, the sector faces a range of challenges to:
- Improve economic security for smallholders
- Protect Natural Capital resources for resilient coffee production
- Maintain the social resilience and cohesion of coffee producing communities
ECONOMIC INDICATORS
GDP
Total:
USD 282.5 billion
Per capita:
USD 5,805 (2016)
SOCIAL INDICATORS
Population:
48.65 million
Life expectancy:
75.7 years
Population living beneath poverty:
27.8% (2016)
Population under 30:
53.7% (2013)
ENVIRONMENTAL INDICATORS
Hosting 10%
of the planet’s biodiversity
Carbon footprint:
177 million t CO2 eq.;
3.75t CO2 eq./capita (2013)
Coffee represents 23% of the agricultural GDP
24 million Colombians depend economically on coffee production
Every year around 730,000 jobs are directly created through coffee
GLOBAL COLOMBIA COFFEE FIGURES
555,000 families
684,000 farms
931,000 coffee hectares
Coffee sector characterised by smallholder producers
AVERAGE SIZE 1.36 HA
Distribution by coffee growing area
Coffee output
restored to growth
14,000,000 IN 2016
Sustainability
programs growing
APPROXIMATELY 50%
OF FARMERS ENROLLED
2004-2016
COLOMBIA AND NESPRESSO
Colombia is an important origin for Nespresso, with half of farmers based in Colombia.
The diversity of terroirs and Colombia’s microclimates result in high-quality arabica coffee. These delicate coffees are appreciated for a variety of sensory profiles in the fruity winey family and accompanied by a fine acidity. The country’s ability to produce high-quality is also a result of its coffee traditions and abundance of farming communities. In fact, Colombia’s coffee was awarded Protected Geographical Indication (PGI) status by the European Union.
Strong institutional support provides an important framework for Nespresso coffees. Colombia’s continuous research and innovation capability allows us and our partners to further expand the AAA Program.
Article published on: November 2018
