Buying coffee from Colombia: two harvests, Excelso and Supremo, and the FNC

Colombia coffee in numbers

The USDA forecast Colombia's 2025/26 production at about 12.5 million 60 kg bags, down 5.3% after heavy rains, with exports of about 11.8 million bags. The United States took over 40% of exports in late 2024 and early 2025, followed by the EU, Canada and Japan. About 87% of the coffee area is planted with rust-resistant varieties such as Castillo. Colombia also imports cheaper coffee, about 1.5 million bags, mainly for domestic blends.

Regions and harvests

Coffee grows along the Andes in Huila, Nariño, Cauca, Antioquia, Tolima, Caldas and other departments. Because of the country's position near the equator, many regions have two harvests: a main crop and a smaller fly crop called the mitaca. Our harvest calendar gives the months, and the Colombia lots page shows current offers.

Grades

Colombian export coffee is washed arabica prepared by screen size. Supremo is the largest bean (for example Supremo 17/18: 95% above screen 17), and Excelso is the FNC's name for mainstream commercial Colombian coffee prepared to the buyer's screen and defect requirements. Our grading guide gives the official definitions. Microlots and single-farm coffees are sold on cup score and description.

The FNC and exporters

• The FNC represents more than 550,000 growers, runs research (Cenicafé) and quality control, and publishes a daily reference price for parchment.
• The FNC exports about 18% of Colombia's coffee itself; private exporters ship the rest.
• Every exporter must be registered with the FNC. Check the registration before you pay, as our scams guide explains.
• Colombian green coffee usually ships in 70 kg bags.

Buying tips

• Agree grade, moisture, defects and cup in the contract and approve a pre-shipment sample.
• Price is usually set as a differential to the New York "C" contract; see how coffee prices work.
• For the EU, the FNC is helping farms with geolocation for EUDR; ask for it early.