Buying coffee from Honduras: Central America's largest producer
Honduras is Central America's largest coffee producer and one of the world's top ten exporters. All of its coffee is arabica, grown mostly by smallholders in the highlands, and a large share is certified or sold as specialty. This guide covers what buyers and sellers need to know.
Updated November 1, 2026 · 2 sources
Honduras coffee in numbers
The USDA forecast Honduras' 2025/26 crop at about 5.8 million 60 kg bags and exports at about 5.5 million. Coffee grows in 15 of the country's 18 departments, mainly between 1,000 and 1,600 metres. In 2024 the top buyers were the United States, Germany, Belgium and Italy. In 2023/24 about 52% of exports were certified or specialty, under more than 20 schemes including Rainforest Alliance, organic and Fairtrade.
Regions
Honduras promotes six coffee regions: Copán, Opalaca, Montecillos (including Marcala), Agalta, El Paraíso and Comayagua. Each has its own profile, from the caramel sweetness of Copán to the bright fruit of Marcala. Browse the Honduras lots page for current offers and harvest months.
Grades and quality
Honduras grades export coffee as High Grown (HG) and Strictly High Grown (SHG). IHCAFE's trading rules define them by the bean and the cup: SHG beans are dense, roast compact and show excellent aroma, body and acidity. Altitude limits differ between countries, so put the grade and minimum altitude in the contract; our grading guide explains more. The Honduran Coffee Institute (IHCAFE) also supports growers with research, training and quality programmes.
Buying tips
- Ask for the region, altitude, process and harvest date, and approve a pre-shipment sample. Drying in the humid lowlands can be a risk, so check moisture.
- If you need certified coffee, check the certificate as explained in our certifications guide.
- Honduran coffee ships in 69 kg bags, about 250 to 275 per 20-foot container. See shipping green coffee.
- Price is usually set against the New York "C" contract plus a differential.
Frequently asked questions
How much coffee does Honduras produce?
The USDA forecast about 5.8 million 60 kg bags for 2025/26, all arabica, making Honduras Central America's largest producer.
What does SHG mean for Honduran coffee?
Strictly High Grown: IHCAFE's top export grade, for dense beans with excellent aroma, body and acidity from high farms. High Grown (HG) comes from lower farms. Put the minimum altitude in your contract.
Is Honduran coffee certified?
Much of it is. About half of exports in 2023/24 were certified or specialty, including Rainforest Alliance, organic and Fairtrade.
Sources
- Daily Coffee News: Honduras coffee report, exports surge on rising prices, reduced rust impact (on the USDA FAS Coffee Annual, May 2025) ↗
- Royal Coffee: Coffee weights and container loads by origin ↗
Checked on November 1, 2026. Laws, rules and prices change: always check the official source before you trade. This guide is general information, not legal advice.