Buying coffee from Mexico: Chiapas, Veracruz, Oaxaca and organic coffee
Mexico grows mostly shade-grown arabica on small family plots in the south and is one of the world's main sources of certified organic coffee. It is also a large coffee consumer and importer. This guide covers the numbers, regions and what to check.
Updated November 1, 2026 · 2 sources
Mexico coffee in numbers
The USDA forecast Mexico's 2025/26 production at about 3.9 million 60 kg bags, of which about 3.5 million arabica. Exports were forecast at about 3.05 million bags, including 1.6 million of instant coffee, and Mexico imports about 2.4 million bags, mainly robusta for instant coffee and blends. The United States is the top buyer of Mexican coffee in all forms. Mexicans drink about 3.15 million bags a year.
Regions
| State | Coffee |
|---|---|
| Chiapas | The largest producer: high-grown washed arabica, much of it organic, near the Guatemalan border |
| Veracruz | Arabica from the slopes around Coatepec and Huatusco |
| Puebla | The highest yields, arabica from the Sierra Norte |
| Oaxaca | Arabica from Pluma Hidalgo and the highlands, often from indigenous smallholders |
Chiapas, Veracruz, Puebla and Oaxaca grow more than 91% of Mexico's coffee. Exports are usually highest in April and May. See the Mexico lots page.
Organic and certified coffee
Many Mexican smallholders grow under shade with few inputs, and cooperatives sell certified organic and Fairtrade coffee. Check certificates and premiums with our certifications guide.
Buying tips
- Ask for the state, altitude, process and certifications, and approve a pre-shipment sample.
- Mexican export coffee is often described by altitude, such as Strictly High Grown (SHG) or High Grown (HG); put the grade and minimum altitude in the contract. See the grading guide.
- Mexican coffee ships in 69 kg bags; US buyers can also receive it by truck.
- Price is usually set against the New York "C" contract plus a differential; see how coffee prices work.
Frequently asked questions
Where is Mexican coffee grown?
Mainly in Chiapas, Veracruz, Puebla and Oaxaca, which together grow more than 91% of the crop.
Is Mexican coffee organic?
Mexico is one of the largest suppliers of certified organic coffee, and much of its coffee is shade-grown by smallholders.
Does Mexico import coffee?
Yes, about 2.4 million bags a year in the USDA forecast, mainly robusta for instant coffee and blends.
Sources
- Qahwa World: Mexico targets 3.9 million bags of coffee in 2025/26 (on the USDA 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.