Coffee beans are the seeds of the Coffea plant and the source for coffee, one of the world's most widely consumed beverages. Though often referred to as beans, they are technically the seeds of a berry, often called a coffee cherry. The two most economically important types of coffee plants are Arabica and Robusta. Arabica beans are known for their nuanced and complex flavors, often exhibiting fruity, floral, or wine-like notes, and account for 60-70% of global production. Robusta beans have a stronger, more bitter taste with earthy notes and contain almost double the caffeine of Arabica beans. Factors such as bean variety, origin, processing method, and roast level can dramatically alter the taste of coffee beans.
Coffee beans are a major cash crop and an important export product for many developing nations. Brazil is the largest producer of coffee and coffee beans, with other main exporters including Colombia, Vietnam, and Ethiopia. Roasting significantly impacts the flavor profile, with light roasts retaining more of the original coffee's character and acidity, while medium roasts offer a balance of sweetness and caramelization, and dark roasts provide bolder, smoky flavors. The price of coffee beans varies widely based on quality, origin, and processing methods. As of February 12, 2026, coffee was trading at 299.05 USd/Lbs. Depending on the quality and brand, prices can range from approximately $15-30 USD/kg for supermarket brands to $25-75 USD/kg for specialty coffee. Various suppliers offer coffee beans, including Paulig Estonia AS, Lobodis, and Malongo.
