Nigerian Coffee: Arabica Highlands to Robusta Lowlands

Nigerian Coffee: Arabica Highlands to Robusta Lowlands

Craving a deeper coffee experience with Nigerian coffee? Our Colombian adventure was just the first sip! Now, get ready for another culture clash! We’re venturing further to explore the diverse world of coffee, one region (and hopefully, one amazing cup) at a time.

Our destination today: Nigeria.

Source: https://perfectdailygrind.com/2021/07/exploring-the-nigerian-coffee-sector/ 

Flavour Profiles and Growing Regions of Nigerian Coffee

Nigeria’s coffee story isn’t just about quantity, it’s about quality too.

Moving beyond the bean itself, Nigeria’s coffee-growing regions offer a glimpse into the heart of the country’s agricultural landscape.

The country’s bean profile is just as diverse as its people. Arabica beans, known for their smooth and aromatic qualities, flourish in the cool and misty morning highlands of Taraba and Mambilla Plateau.

Source: https://perfectdailygrind.com/2022/08/how-is-coffee-consumption-changing-in-nigeria/ 

These high-altitude regions allow these beans to develop their nuanced flavours.

Robusta beans is found in the humid and warm lowlands of Cross River and red soils of Ondo States.

Robusta might lack the delicate touch of Arabica, it delivers a powerful punch with slightly woody and nutty undertones.

This diversity allows Nigerian coffee to cater to a wide range of taste preferences.

Nigerian Coffee Scene

Despite being a major coffee producer, Nigeria has a low coffee consumption rate. Nigeria is largely a nation of tea drinkers. The reasons for this are twofold.

Firstly, a lack of local coffee shops and cafes means there’s fewer opportunities for Nigerians to develop a taste for coffee.

Secondly, the high cost of specialty coffee, often due to heavy reliance on imports, makes it less accessible compared to tea.

But with the rise of international coffee chains, there’s a chance Nigerians might embrace this delicious beverage and develop their own unique coffee culture.

In the same light, coffee consumption is on the rise, particularly among Gen Z and Millenials.

This exciting shift is fuels a confluence of factors. Global coffee trends, urbanisation, and a growing interest in exploring diverse coffee experiences are all contributing to the rise of a vibrant Nigerian coffee culture.

So, if you’re ever in Nigeria, be sure to check out the thriving cafes and shops brewing up delicious cups of joe!

Nigerian Coffee Business

Arabica production remains a niche compared to neighbouring African producers. One factor is the dominance of Robusta coffee, a higher yield, disease resistant variety traditionally favoured by Nigerian farmers.

Additionally, a lack of infrastructure and processing facilities dedicated to Arabica beans limits its production scale. However, there seems to be a growing interest in exploring the potential of high-quality Arabica in Nigeria.

Initiatives by private companies and government programs are aiming to improve cultivation techniques, processing methods, and access to specialty markets for Arabica beans.

So, the future of Nigerian Arabica production might be brewing brighter, with the potential to add a unique flavour profile to the global coffee map.

When it comes to the global market, the nation’s role is focused on producing coffee beans, not necessarily trading or marketing them.

While Nigeria is a significant coffee producer, the focus leans towards instant coffee production for domestic consumption.

The international market for high-quality Nigerian beans is still emerging, with opportunities for specialty coffee producers and exporters waiting to be explored.

This suggests exciting possibilities for the future of Nigerian coffee, with the potential to elevate their place in the global coffee scene beyond being a major bean producer.

Recap of Nigeria’s Coffee Culture

• Nigeria, one of Africa’s coffee producers, has a low coffee consumption as opposed to tea, due to fewer coffee shops and high costs of specialty coffee.

• Gen Z’s are developing a taste for specialty coffee, influenced by global trends and the rise of cafes.

• Nigeria cultivates both Arabica and Robusta beans, offering a range of flavour profiles. Arabica thrives in the highlands, producing smooth and aromatic notes; while Robusta in the lowlands should not be overlooked with its bold and intense taste.

• Key growing regions include Taraba and the Mambilla Plateau for Arabica, and Cross River and Ondo State for Robusta. Each region offers unique ecosystems contributing to the character of the beans.