Cameroon has seen a remarkable surge in coffee export value to France
The coffee industry in Cameroon has seen a remarkable surge in its export value to France, with a fourfold increase for three years. This growth is a testament to the quality and competitiveness of Cameroonian robusta coffee on the international market.
In 2023, Cameroon exported a significant 1,648.3 tons of coffee to France, which translated into earnings of CFA2.3 billion. This impressive figure is up from just 604.4 tons in 2021, which had brought in nearly CFA580 million. The following year saw a continued upward trajectory with 1,264.4 tons of coffee exported, yielding CFA1.6 billion in revenue.
The robusta coffee variety, one of the two main types produced in Cameroon, has been the sole type sold to France during this period. The National Institute of Statistics (INS) report highlights the substantial increase in the value of Cameroon’s coffee exports to France between 2021 and 2023. This leap in value can be attributed to a rise in global coffee prices and an increased volume of coffee shipped.
The burgeoning interest of French consumers in Cameroonian coffee has not only boosted its position among the top 10 products exported from Cameroon to France but has also highlighted the potential for further growth and development within the sector. This positions Cameroon’s coffee industry as a significant player in the agricultural export market, ranking just ahead of bananas and slightly behind cocoa derivatives like butter, oil, and paste.
The quadrupling of export value is a clear indicator of the potential that Cameroonian coffee has to offer. It reflects the hard work of Cameroonian farmers, the government’s support in promoting agricultural exports, and the growing appreciation for the unique flavours of Cameroonian robusta coffee.
As Cameroon continues to expand its reach in the global coffee market, the future looks promising for the nation’s coffee producers and the economy at large. With strategic investments and continued focus on quality, Cameroon’s coffee industry could see even more significant achievements in the years to come.
