Coffee
Global Highlights
LDC has been in the coffee business for over 35 years, merchandizing all major Arabica and Robusta coffee qualities, while serving a diverse range of customers across the globe, from specialty roasters to multinational food companies.
Top 3
85%
50+
About Coffee
Each year the world produces approximately 10 million tons of coffee, the two main species of which are Arabica and Robusta.
Milder, more aromatic and with less caffeine, Arabica coffee makes up the majority of world production. It is grown mainly at higher altitudes in tropical and temperate regions of the Western Hemisphere, Brazil being the world’s largest producer.
Vietnam is the largest producer of Robusta coffee, which is largely grown at lower altitudes in tropical Asia and Africa.
Brazil is the world’s leading producer of coffee overall, followed by Vietnam, Colombia and Indonesia. The EU (as a region) consumes the most coffee, followed by the US, Brazil and Japan.
Our Coffee Value Chain
Each of our business lines is integrating further across the five steps of our value chain, as we respond to the need for a traceable and responsible supply line from farmer to consumer.
01Originate & Produce
01Originate & Produce
02Purchase & Process
02Purchase & Process
03Store & Transport
03Store & Transport
04Research & Merchandize
04Research & Merchandize
05Customize & Distribute
05Customize & Distribute
01Originate & Produce
01Originate & Produce
02Purchase & Process
02Purchase & Process
03Store & Transport
03Store & Transport
04Research & Merchandize
04Research & Merchandize
05Customize & Distribute
05Customize & Distribute
Our Strengths in Kenya
As a market leader, we have a vision to bring sustainable value to our coffee suppliers in Kenya, by combining our global expertise with an in-depth understanding of the local market.
Coffee from East Africa is considered premium worldwide and LDC is a key player in the origination, processing, storage and transport of coffee for export markets.
LDC’s coffee origination teams in Nairobi source responsibly through Kenyan coffee auctions and work directly with some of Kenya’s most talented coffee producers. Thanks to our state-of-the-art coffee lab, and our experienced and passionate quality team, we have access to all Kenyan coffee grades with the same focus on quality and traceability, from rare and exotic specialty micro lots to single origin lots and blend components.
LDC’s coffee processing asset in Nairobi allows farmers to dry mill their coffee, then refine grading, blend and pack coffees according to client expectations and global standards for export to leading markets worldwide, including the US, Japan and Singapore.
Enlarging Our Product Portfolio
As part of LDC’s strategy for growth, we are moving further downstream in our value chains, closer to consumers, and diversifying revenue through value-added products in key growth markets.
LDC started trading instant coffee in 2020, supplying the full spectrum of instant coffee products (spray-dried, agglomerated, freeze-dried). In 2024, we acquired Companhia Cacique de Café Solúvel, a leading global soluble coffee producer, processor and exporter, with clients in over 70 countries. This acquisition supports our vertical integration strategy, adding established soluble coffee plants in Brazil to complement our existing joint venture instant coffee plant in Vietnam.
In parallel, we continue to reinforce our coffee origination capabilities to provide customers with supply chain stability and a direct link to coffee origins.
Invested in Coffee Sustainability
As a leading global merchant of green coffee, LDC is well-positioned and equipped to support coffee farmers in addressing the challenges they face to make their production more sustainable and profitable. Our coffee sustainability strategy takes a holistic approach built on four complementary pillars:
- Responsible sourcing
- Farmer support through the Stronger Coffee Initiative
- Sustainable operations
- Partnerships