Brazil is the world's largest coffee producer, accounting for roughly 35-40% of global supply. But "Brazilian coffee" is not a single product. It spans commodity bulk, premium commercial, and high-end specialty lots — and the grade system is how buyers navigate that range. Here's what you need to know before placing an order.
The Brazilian Coffee Classification System
Brazilian coffee is classified by the Brazilian Coffee Industry Association (ABIC) and evaluated on four dimensions: defect count, screen size, cup quality, and moisture content. The result is a grade that determines price, market destination, and export eligibility.
| Grade | Category | Defects (per 300g) | Approx. Price Range (2026) |
|---|---|---|---|
| NY2 / Strictly Soft | Specialty | 0–8 | $5.50–$9.00/lb |
| Fine Cup | Premium Commercial | 9–26 | $3.20–$5.00/lb |
| NY3 / Good Cup | Commercial | 27–46 | $2.40–$3.50/lb |
| NY4 / Riado | Commercial / Blend | 47–86 | $1.80–$2.60/lb |
| Below NY4 | Industrial | 86+ | Spot-market / soluble |
*Prices are indicative 2026 FOB Santos estimates. ICE C futures set the commodity floor; specialty premiums negotiated directly.
Arabica vs Robusta
Brazil produces both varieties, but they serve different markets:
Arabica — ~75% of Brazilian production. The dominant export product. Grown primarily in Minas Gerais (Sul de Minas, Cerrado, Chapada de Minas), São Paulo, and Espírito Santo. Most commercial and specialty imports from Brazil are Arabica.
Conilon (Robusta) — ~25% of production. Grown mainly in Espírito Santo and Rondônia. Higher caffeine content, earthier flavor, lower price. Used primarily in espresso blends and soluble (instant) coffee. Conilon prices run approximately 30-40% below equivalent Arabica grades.
Specialty Coffee: What It Actually Means
The Specialty Coffee Association (SCA) defines specialty as scoring 80+ points on a 100-point cupping scale. In Brazil, this overlaps with NY2-equivalent lots but isn't identical — specialty evaluation adds flavor complexity, processing quality, and terroir factors not captured in the defect count alone.
Key specialty regions in 2026:
- Cerrado Mineiro — Brazil's first coffee appellation. Consistent, chocolatey, full-body. High export volume.
- Sul de Minas — Largest specialty-producing region. Wide flavor range from nutty/caramel to fruit-forward.
- Chapada Diamantina (Bahia) — Emerging. High altitude, bright acidity, fruit complexity. Scarce supply, premium pricing.
- Mogiana — Classic commercial specialty. Balanced, consistent. Popular in European specialty roasters.
How Pricing Works
Brazilian coffee pricing has two components:
1. ICE C futures (commodity floor) — The New York ICE Arabica futures contract sets the base price. In early 2026, C prices are around $3.80-$4.20/lb after the supply shock of late 2024. This is the floor — actual transaction prices are quoted as a premium or discount "differential" to the C price.
2. Differential — Based on grade, origin, cup quality, and market conditions. NY2 specialty lots trade at +$1.00 to +$4.50/lb over C. NY4 commodity trades at flat or slight discount to C.
For specialty buyers working directly with farms or cooperatives, the differential negotiation is where value is captured — locking in early in the harvest cycle (March-May for most regions) before demand pushes premiums higher.
Practical Guidance for Coffee Buyers
If you're sourcing Brazilian coffee for the first time:
- Request a green sample before committing to volume. Cupping against the grade description is standard practice.
- Specify screen size (15+ for most commercial, 17+ for premium commercial). Screen size affects roasting consistency.
- Ask for moisture content certification. Brazilian green coffee should arrive at 10-12% MC. Higher moisture indicates improper storage and leads to early spoilage.
- For the China market, Cerrado Mineiro and Mogiana origins have the strongest name recognition. Chinese specialty roasters increasingly specify origin on packaging.
Looking to source Brazilian coffee? Read our full Brazil coffee export guide or explore the Brazil-China corridor for active buyers. You can also create a TradeGlide account to connect with verified exporters directly.