Cambodia Coffee Supply Report: Production Realities, Quality Gains, and Export Readiness

Introduction

This report provides a comprehensive assessment of Cambodia's coffee supply situation, examining production realities, quality developments, and export readiness. Drawing on the latest data from government sources, industry associations, and private sector actors, it offers a data-driven analysis of where the sector stands and what is required to achieve export competitiveness.

Production Realities: The Numbers

Cultivation Area

As of 2025, coffee is cultivated across approximately 800 hectares in Cambodia. The average yield is 2.36 tonnes per hectare.

Mondulkiri Province remains the primary producing region, with more than 580 hectares under coffee cultivation and annual production exceeding 1,600 tonnes. This represents growth from 529 hectares in 2024.

Nationally, total coffee production is estimated at just over 1,000 tonnes annually. This is a fraction of the 13,000 to 20,000 tonnes consumed annually.

Varietal Composition

Robusta dominates, with farmers in Mondulkiri growing TR4, TR9, TR5, and TRS1 varieties. The TRS1 variety, promoted by KOFI, has been distributed across approximately 300 hectares.

Arabica production remains limited but has potential in higher-elevation areas. The region's conditions—elevations of 500 to 1,200 metres, cooler climate, fertile volcanic soil—support both Robusta and Arabica production.

Farmer Demographics

Coffee farming is predominantly smallholder-based. Most farmers own an average of 0.9 hectares of land. Many lack official land use certificates, limiting their access to formal credit.

KOFI works with over 400 farming families, up from 365 farmers in 2023, demonstrating growing farmer participation in organised value chains.

Quality Gains: A Historic Breakthrough

The most significant quality development in Cambodia's coffee history occurred in September 2025, when the Coffee Quality Institute (CQI) classified Bousra Coffee as a Fine Robusta.

The CQI Score

Bousra Coffee scored 80.5 points on CQI's 100-point scale. A score of 80 or above qualifies coffee as "specialty" or "fine". This is the first time in history that Cambodian coffee has received such recognition from an international institute.

The Blend

To create Bousra Coffee, KOFI combined Fine Robusta (50%) with Arabica from South America (50%), roasted at a medium level. The blend demonstrates how Cambodian Robusta can serve as a high-quality component in specialty coffee products.

Certifications

Beyond CQI recognition, Bousra Coffee has obtained GHPs, HACCP, and ISO 22000:2018 certifications. These certifications signal that Cambodian coffee meets international food safety and quality standards.

Export Readiness: Current Status and Requirements

Current Export Status

Cambodia is currently a net coffee importer. Exports are negligible, with the vast majority of coffee consumed domestically sourced from Vietnam.

Vietnam's coffee exports to Cambodia reached 713 tonnes in July 2025—a 406% year-on-year increase. Over the first seven months of 2025, cumulative imports from Vietnam reached 2,231 tonnes, valued at US$10 million.

Requirements for Export Readiness

To transition from importer to exporter, Cambodia must address several requirements:

Scale: The CCA targets 7,000 hectares of cultivation. KOFI plans to expand from 106 hectares to 2,000 hectares. Provincial authorities aim to add 2,000 hectares in Mondulkiri.

Quality: Consistent production of specialty-grade coffee requires investment in training, processing infrastructure, and quality control.

Traceability: Export markets increasingly require traceability from farm to export. EUDR compliance, as discussed in Article Three, will be essential for accessing the EU market.

Certification: International certifications—organic, Fair Trade, Rainforest Alliance—enhance market access and price premiums.

Market linkages: Developing relationships with international buyers and roasters is essential for export success.

The Role of Key Actors

Cambodia Coffee Association

Established in June 2025, the CCA is central to sector development. Its objectives include improving cultivation techniques, optimising processing, and developing marketing strategies. The CCA has already initiated research partnerships and signed MOUs with financial and technical partners.

Kofi

As the leading private sector actor, KOFI provides a template for integrated value-chain development. Its activities span seedling propagation, farmer training, processing, and retail.

Government

The government's policy focus is on boosting domestic production, reducing import reliance, and developing a strong local industry. Investment promotion in the northeastern region has identified coffee as a priority sector.

Conclusion

Cambodia's coffee sector is making measurable progress. Cultivation area is expanding, quality has achieved international recognition, and institutional capacity is developing. However, export readiness requires a significant scaling of production, investment in processing infrastructure, and achievement of international certifications. The foundation is being built; the next phase will determine whether Cambodia can translate these gains into sustainable export success.