Myanmar ships nearly 500 tonnes of Arabica coffee beans to 8 countries this year

About 500 tonnes of speciality quality Arabica coffee produced in PyinOoLwin, Mandalay Region, is conveyed to the eight foreign countries this year, said an official of Coffee Research, Information, Extension and Training Centre in PyinOoLwin, Mandalay Region.
The impacts of coronavirus hurt the coffee industry as the lockdown, and physical distancing caused a reduction in consumption. Consequently, coffee exports drastically fell in 2021. This year, the market raised its head again.
Myanmar’s coffee export has dropped by half last year on the weak demand triggered by the coronavirus. At present, the market has returned to normality.
“Coffee exports are quite early this year. Normally, the transaction happens in June after taking samples. Traders have been buying coffee beans since December 2021. This year, both the yield and exports increased,” he added.
Myanmar primarily produces Arabica coffee. Myanmar’s speciality coffee beans are highly demanded due to their high quality and organic production. Speciality coffee fetches a good price as well. According to Myanmar Coffee Association, Myanmar ships coffee beans to an external market without affecting domestic consumption.
Myanmar’s coffee has already earned a good reputation.  It has penetrated markets in Hong Kong, China, the Republic of Korea and Singapore, England, Germany, Australia, Canada and the US.
Myanmar’s coffee has grabbed a market share in the US with the support of USAID and WinRock International NGO.
There are 40,000 acres of highland coffee (Arabica) plantations and about 10,000 acres under lowland coffee (Robusta) in Myanmar, totalling 50,000 acres. Shan State is the leading producer of coffee beans.
Coffee beans are harvested between December and February. They are distributed and exported throughout the year after harvest time. — GNLM