Vietnam

History

French missionaries and colonists introduced coffee to Vietnam in 1857, eventually establishing plantations that expanded significantly in the early 20th century with the introduction of Robusta and Excelsa varieties. The industry faced severe disruption during the Vietnam War and subsequent periods of collectivization, which limited private enterprise and kept production yields low. A major turning point occurred with the 1986 Đổi mới economic reforms, which allowed for private ownership and spurred rapid growth, with production increasing by 20% to 30% annually throughout the 1990s. This transformation elevated Vietnam to its current status as the world's second-largest coffee producer, primarily driven by the cultivation of Robusta in the Central Highlands. In recent years, the industry has begun to diversify, with increasing interest in high-quality Arabica production and a growing domestic focus on specialty coffee experiences.