Vietnam Field Report

As the second leading producer of coffee in the world, and first leading producer of Robusta, Vietnam is an extremely intricate and complex producing country. So much uniqueness, history, and dedication to production in this wonderful country. Mercanta’s founder, Stephen Hurst, traveled to Vietnam recently to learn more about the current state of production. Read on to learn more.

I’d never been to Vietnam before in my 35+ years in the coffee business, I was very keen to go. Firstly we flew to Đà Lạt, the capital of the Lâm Đồng province, then onwards to Dung K’No, in the central southern highlands.

Of course Vietnam is (in) famous for a vast robusta coffee production, where Arabica coffee production is overlooked despite Vietnam producing 1 million bags of arabica coffee, more than far more well known El Salvador, for example.

Harvest season for Arabica was October to Chinese New Year so call it Oct Nov Dec Jan. Beans were green when we were there in early October. I didn’t know Vietnam has 100 million people, the 15th most populous country on earth. It is most identical size to Norway (5.5m people) and sort of similar shape – thin with a very long coastline.

Most coffee in Vietnam is transacted through intermediaries by custom or even by statute. But in Dung K’No, ECOM buys directly from growers. It is a cherry business (like Rwanda) and ECOM built a washing station in Dung K’No. The farm sizes are similar to Antioquia Colombia 1-5ha.

The altitude of production is surprising 1,400-1,600m. Vietnam has mountains over 2,000m begging the question is production could take place still higher.

Arabica production is centred 50/50 on Dung K’No, Đà Lạt in the central south and near Hanoi in the far north. ECOM together with other benefactors have built schools in the Dung K’No area.

Mercanta has been buying this coffee for 5+ years initially introducing to specialty roaster clients by way of blind cuppings to remove pre-conceptions. A good following built up for this coffee.

Almost all the Arabica production is Catimor but we did see experimental plots of other varietals being rolled out.

Some very pleasant surprises on the recent Vietnam trip and we hope to have Dung K’No back on the menu in 2025.