Buying coffee from Nicaragua: Jinotega, Matagalpa and SHG arabica
Nicaragua grows mainly shade-grown washed arabica in its northern highlands, much of it through cooperatives, plus a small robusta crop. The United States and the EU buy most of it. This guide covers the numbers, regions, grades and what to check before you buy.
Updated November 1, 2026 · 3 sources
Nicaragua coffee in numbers
The USDA estimated Nicaragua's 2025/26 crop at about 2.56 million 60 kg bags and forecast 2.44 million for 2026/27: 2.3 million arabica and 140,000 robusta. Exports were about 2.42 million bags in 2025/26, forecast at 2.25 million for 2026/27. In 2024/25 the United States took 35% of exports and the EU about 32%. Coffee is planted on about 143,000 hectares.
Regions and harvest
Over 85% of arabica farms are in North Central Nicaragua, mainly Jinotega, Matagalpa and Nueva Segovia, with smaller areas such as Estelí and Madriz. Robusta grows on the southern Caribbean coast near Nueva Guinea. The main harvest runs from about October to March, with the peak from November to February. See the Nicaragua lots page.
Grades and preparation
| Grade | Altitude |
|---|---|
| Strictly High Grown (SHG) | Above 1,200 m |
| High Grown (HG) | 900–1,200 m |
EP (European Preparation) means the beans are hand-sorted to remove defects. Much Nicaraguan coffee is shade grown with organic practices, and cooperatives often sell certified organic and Fairtrade lots; see our certifications guide.
Rules and challenges
- A 2013 law created a coffee renovation fund paid by a fee on each exported 60 kg bag; it averaged about $4 a bag in 2025/26.
- Since the 2013 rust outbreak about 20,000 hectares have been replanted, but many farms are behind on renovation.
- Higher fertilizer costs and possible El Niño weather may cut yields; follow the season's crop reports.
Buying tips
- Ask for region, altitude, grade, cooperative or farm, and certifications, and approve a pre-shipment sample.
- Nicaraguan coffee usually ships in 69 kg bags. See shipping green coffee.
- For the EU, ask early for plot geolocation; see the EUDR guide.
Frequently asked questions
How much coffee does Nicaragua produce?
The USDA forecast about 2.44 million 60 kg bags for 2026/27, mostly arabica plus about 140,000 bags of robusta.
Where is Nicaraguan coffee grown?
Mainly in Jinotega, Matagalpa and Nueva Segovia in the north; robusta grows near Nueva Guinea on the Caribbean side.
What does SHG mean for Nicaraguan coffee?
Strictly High Grown: coffee grown above 1,200 metres. High Grown is 900–1,200 m.
Sources
- Daily Coffee News: Nicaragua coffee report (on the USDA FAS Coffee Annual, June 2026) ↗
- InterAmerican Coffee: Nicaragua HG, SHG EP ↗
- 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.