Vietnam is listed among the largest Robusta coffee producers in the world with an annual output of around 750,000-800,000 tons, according to the Vietnam Coffee and Cocoa Association (Vicofa).
The country currently has around 450,000-500,000 hectares under coffee cultivation with the majority dedicated to lower-priced Robusta beans, the Vicofa said.
Since Arabica beans fetch double the price of Robusta beans, cities and provinces nationwide are encouraged to downsize Robusta coffee acreage to make land available for Arabica coffee expansion.
However, the country must approach any expansion into Arabica beans with care because of higher costs and the need for better processing, said the vice chairman of Vicofa, Doan Trieu Nhan.
"We need to aim for stability in supply, lower costs of production and improving the processing of the beans," he said. "You can't treat Arabica the same way you treat Robusta," he said, adding investment in Arabica output is 20 to 30 per cent more than Robusta.
Nhan also said that besides changes in the structure of cultivation, many areas, including post-harvest procedures, equipment improvement and seedling development also require attention, as do trade promotion programs for expanding international and domestic coffee markets
The area suitable for Arabica farming nationwide accounts for only 20,500 hectares, up 2,000ha as compared to the last crop, although its prices can fetch double that of Robusta beans. The central highlands province of Lam Dong is the largest Arabica growing area in the country with 5,000ha, followed by northern Son La province with about 4,000ha.
Robusta beans are a bitter-tasting variety used by food and beverage companies such as Sara Lee Corp. and Nestle SA. Milder Arabica beans are used by companies such as Starbucks Corp.
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