Arabica and Robusta are the two commercially dominant coffee species. Together they account for over 98% of global coffee production. For commodity importers, the decision between them is primarily economic — driven by price, end-use application, and what your buyer's market will accept. This guide cuts through the marketing language and focuses on what matters for procurement.
The Fundamental Difference
Coffea arabica and Coffea canephora (Robusta) are genetically distinct species. Arabica grows at higher altitudes (600–2,000m), matures more slowly, and produces a lower yield per hectare. Robusta thrives at lower altitudes, is more disease-resistant, and produces higher yields. These biological facts drive everything downstream — quality, price, supply reliability, and where each species can be grown.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Parameter | Arabica | Robusta (Conilon) |
|---|---|---|
| Caffeine content | 1.2–1.5% | 2.2–2.7% |
| Chlorogenic acid | Lower | Higher (more bitter) |
| Lipid content | Higher (richer body) | Lower |
| Sugar content | Higher | Lower |
| Typical flavor notes | Fruity, wine-like, complex | Earthy, bold, rubbery at low grade |
| Crema in espresso | Less crema | More crema (more fat emulsifiers) |
| Growing altitude | 600–2,000m | 0–800m |
| Disease resistance | More susceptible | More resistant |
| Global market share | ~60% | ~40% |
| Price (Brazil, FOB) | ~$5,200–$6,292/MT | ~$4,501+/MT |
Price Comparison
Arabica trades at a consistent premium over Robusta. The premium fluctuates based on relative supply from major producing origins, but in normal market conditions, Brazilian Arabica runs approximately $700–$1,500/MT above equivalent-grade Robusta. The spread widened significantly in 2024–2025 as Brazilian Arabica output faced weather-related pressure while Vietnamese Robusta supply recovered.
The ICE Coffee C futures contract (KC1!) prices Arabica. Robusta benchmarks to the ICE Robusta contract (ticker: RC1!) traded in London. Both are quoted in US cents/lb internationally, though large-volume trades convert to USD/MT.
End-Use Applications
When to Buy Arabica
- Supplying specialty or commercial roasters who market single-origin or high-quality blends
- Filter/drip coffee programs (espresso can use either, but high-end drip and pour-over is predominantly Arabica)
- Markets where consumers specify or expect Arabica (most of Western Europe, Japan, North America)
- When you need to achieve specific cup quality floors for your buyer's product
When to Buy Robusta (Conilon)
- Espresso blends where crema, caffeine content, and bold body are priorities and cost is a constraint
- Instant coffee manufacturing (Robusta extracts at higher yield — lower cost per unit of soluble solids)
- Markets where price is the primary purchasing driver and brand emphasis is on strength over origin
- Blending programs where Robusta's high caffeine anchors an otherwise Arabica-forward blend
Italian espresso note: Traditional Italian espresso blends use 20–40% Robusta to achieve the dense crema and bold, persistent flavor that the Italian market demands. Brazilian Conilon is a preferred Robusta for Italian roasters because of its consistent quality and reliable supply from Vitória.
Brazilian Production: Arabica and Conilon
Brazil is unique in being the world's dominant supplier of both Arabica and Robusta (known locally as Conilon). This gives Brazilian-origin buyers access to both species from a single, reliable trade partner with consistent documentation, inspection, and logistics infrastructure.
Brazilian Arabica is grown primarily in Minas Gerais, São Paulo, and Paraná states, processed mostly as natural (dry) and shipped from Port of Vitória. Brazilian Conilon is grown almost exclusively in Espírito Santo state and exported from Port of Vitória. See our guide on coffee exports from Vitória for Conilon-specific logistics.
Which to Import?
The answer is usually determined by your buyer's specification rather than your own preference. Get the end-product requirement first: Is this for espresso, filter, instant, or blending? What grade of final product does your buyer produce? What is the acceptable price ceiling?
Once you know the application, the grade choice follows. For mixed-origin programs, both Arabica and Conilon from Brazil offer the advantage of a single exporter, common documentation, and compatible shipping windows. View current pricing for both varieties on our Commodities page.
Source Arabica and Robusta from Brazil
Both varieties available from Brazilian producers. FOB Vitória or Vitória. SGS inspected. MOQ 1 container. Contact our trading desk for pricing.
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