From Raw Beans to Global Brands: Gia Lai Coffee Drives Export Growth

Nearing the 1 Billion USD Milestone After Seven Months

According to statistics, coffee export turnover in July 2026 was estimated at 66.18 million USD. Accumulative figures for the first seven months of the year reached approximately 976.45 million USD, bringing the industry remarkably close to the 1 billion USD milestone.

With these results, coffee accounts for about 41.5 percent of the province’s total export turnover, remaining the largest contributor to the export structure. This achievement provides a solid foundation for Gia Lai to pursue its export growth targets for 2026.

Beyond maintaining a large export scale, Gia Lai’s coffee sector is gradually transitioning from exporting raw materials to enhancing added value through deep processing, developing certified raw material zones, and expanding consumer markets.

Gia Lai currently has approximately 107,400 hectares of coffee plantations, ranking third nationwide in cultivation area. Source: Thanh Nien Newspaper 

More than 56,690 hectares have been granted sustainable production certifications such as 4C, Rainforest Alliance, and Organic. This advantage enables local businesses to meet the increasingly stringent requirements of importing markets. In 2025, Gia Lai’s coffee export turnover surpassed the 1.5 billion USD mark for the first time, helping push the province’s total export turnover to 3.44 billion USD.

Boosting Deep Processing to Elevate Coffee Bean Value

Capitalizing on raw material advantages, numerous coffee processing and exporting enterprises in the region are increasing technology investments and building supply chains with farmers to improve product quality and value.

According to Mr. Thai Nhu Hiep, as Vietnam plays an increasingly vital role in the global coffee supply chain, businesses must innovate to adapt to market demands. Source: Cong Thuong Newspaper 

Mr. Thai Nhu Hiep, Chairman of the Members’ Council and Director of Vinh Hiep Co., Ltd., noted that businesses must adapt to the evolving demands of the global market. Vinh Hiep currently collaborates with over 10,000 farming households to develop raw material areas complying with international standards like 4C, Rainforest Alliance, and organic practices. The company has built a sustainable coffee production network yielding over 150,000 tons annually, exporting to more than 40 countries and territories, with the European market accounting for about 60 percent.

Mr. Hiep emphasized that it is time for Vietnamese Robusta to move beyond its role as a cheap raw material and become a new symbol of quality. To achieve this, businesses must create clean, transparent products that meet full international standards to increase value rather than competing solely on price.

In addition to expanding markets, businesses are focusing on building closed-loop value chains spanning raw material zones, procurement, processing, and export to elevate the value of Gia Lai coffee beans on the international market. Source: Minh Tien Coffee

Alongside Vinh Hiep, Gia Lai is home to several major exporters, including Hoa Trang Gia Lai Import-Export Co., Ltd., Central Highlands Tropico Coffee Co., Ltd., Tin Thanh Dat Joint Stock Company, and Louis Dreyfus Company Vietnam Co., Ltd. These companies have invested in warehouse systems and modern processing lines while expanding certified raw material zones dedicated to export.

According to Mr. Nguyen Hai Phong, General Director of Central Highlands Tropico Coffee Co., Ltd., farmers, cooperatives, and businesses are increasingly prioritizing internationally certified coffee production. This trend serves as a prerequisite for companies to invest in deep processing and develop high-quality coffee lines.

The company currently collaborates with farmers to develop both Robusta and Arabica coffee organically. In 2026, the company’s green coffee production is projected to reach approximately 20,000 tons, with about 2,500 tons designated as high-quality coffee for export to the EU, the Middle East, and Southeast Asian nations.

In addition to market expansion, businesses are focusing on building closed-loop value chains spanning raw material zones, procurement, processing, and export to elevate the reputation of Gia Lai coffee beans on the international market.

Mr. Nguyen Dinh Kha, Deputy Director of the Gia Lai Department of Industry and Trade, stated that coffee is the province’s flagship export commodity, having established a presence in roughly 60 countries and territories, including demanding markets such as the European Union, the United States, and Japan. Effectively leveraging free trade agreements alongside standardizing raw material zones, investing in deep processing, and building brand identity creates additional room for this key sector to accelerate further in the near future.