Coffee exporting enterprises aim to optimize value
According to data from Ministry of Agriculture and Environment, it is estimated that by the end of 2025, coffee export turnover reached approximately US$8.6 billion, an unprecedented high, once considered a "distant goal" for the industry.
Looking back at the previous period reveals significant progress in value. In 2024, Vietnam exported approximately 1.32 million tonnes of coffee, earning $5.48 billion. In 2023, despite a decrease in production to about 1.61-1.62 million tonnes, export value reached $4.18-4.24 billion thanks to a sharp increase in average export prices to over $2,600/tonne. Prior to that, in 2022, coffee exports reached approximately 1.78 million tonnes, with a value exceeding $4.06 billion, the highest level in over a decade, mainly due to price increases.
In 2021, despite severe impact of the Covid-19 pandemic, coffee export value still reached approximately $3 billion, a 9.4% increase compared to 2020, thanks to a significant improvement in average export prices. In 2020, coffee exports reached approximately 1.51-1.7 million tonnes, with a value of US$2.66-2.7 billion. Despite a volatile global market, some markets, such as the EU, still recorded positive growth thanks to the EVFTA.
Notably, just a few years ago, when coffee export value was only around US$3 billion, Vietnamese coffee industry was still grappling with the challenge of reaching US$6 billion by 2030. Surpassing US$8 billion in 2025 demonstrates that the industry has already moved ahead of schedule, and opens up the prospect of realizing the US$10 billion target sooner than expected, if the strategy of enhancing value, quality, and market position in the international market continues.
High price of coffee on the world market is a crucial factor driving the breakthrough in export value. In the 2024-2025 crop year, Vietnam's average export price reached US$5,610 per tonne, a 52.7% increase compared to the previous crop year.
However, high prices are only a necessary condition. In reality, without sufficient domestic strength, Vietnam would find it difficult to effectively capitalize on the "price opportunity" to achieve record exports. This domestic strength has been accumulated over many years, notably through the coffee replanting program implemented from 2014 to the present, along with a strong shift in the production and business mindset of enterprises.
Speaking to a reporter from Industry and Trade Newspaper on sidelines of conference summarizing the "Pilot Project for Building Standardized Agricultural and Forestry Raw Material Areas for Domestic Consumption and Export," Mr. Thai Nhu Hiep, Chairman of Board of Directors of Vinh Hiep Co., Ltd., said that in the 2025 crop year, the company's export turnover is approaching US$1 billion. Entering 2026, Vinh Hiep will embark on a new phase of development with well-prepared resources and strategies.
Vinh Hiep's distinguishing feature is construction and operation of a relatively complete coffee ecosystem, based on close links between the enterprise, farmers and management agencies. The enterprise not only exports but also plays a leading role in guiding farmers to participate in sustainable production, processing, and consumption chain.
Regarding its growth strategy, Vinh Hiep chooses a cautious approach. Instead of setting a growth target of 15-20% per year, the enterprise focuses on optimizing existing ecosystem, ensuring stable production, consistent quality and long-term reputation. Average export volume is maintained at 160,000-200,000 tonnes per year, accurately reflecting its supply capacity and commitment to the market.
"Vinh Hiep's export growth will depend heavily on price fluctuations; however, the company's core strategy remains maintaining quality, brand, and the sustainability of the value chain, a crucial foundation for contributing to the realization of the industry's $10 billion export target," said Mr. Thai Nhu Hiep.
Replanting and deep processing lay the foundation for the $10 billion target.
Not only the private sector, but also state-owned enterprises in the coffee industry are accelerating restructuring towards sustainability. At the Vietnam Coffee Corporation's 2025 year-end review conference, General Director Dang Hong Tuan stated that, thanks to closely monitoring market developments and promptly selling inventory at high prices, all financial targets for 2025 were met and exceeded.
Highlight for the Corporation in 2025 is investment in replanting and crop conversion. The company has approved and implemented numerous coffee replanting projects, with a total investment value estimated at nearly 113 billion VND this year. However, natural disasters at the end of the year caused significant damage to some coffee plantations in the basic development stage, highlighting the urgent need for risk management and climate change adaptation.
In context of the Government setting a target of 10% or more economic growth in 2026, Vietnam Coffee Corporation identifies 2026 as a "pivotal" year, laying foundation for 2026-2030 development period, aiming for sustainable double-digit growth.
At the industry level, at Vietnam Coffee and Cocoa Association (VICOFA)'s conference summarizing 2024-2025 crop year and outlining the tasks for the 2025-2026 crop year, Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Environment Hoang Trung stated that replanting programs, specialty coffee, high-quality coffee and landscape coffee have significantly contributed to improving the quality and building the brand of Vietnamese coffee. Currently, coffee leads in export value among Vietnam's key crops.
In particular, proactively complying with European Union's Anti-Deforestation Regulation (EUDR) is considered a major competitive advantage. Vietnam is classified by the EU as a "low-risk" country, with only 1% of imported shipments inspected.
Another bright spot is the continued strong growth of processed coffee. In 2024-2025 crop year, export value of processed coffee is expected to reach nearly US$1.4 billion, mainly consisting of roasted and ground coffee and instant coffee. Given the rapidly expanding global market, especially in China, the demand for coffee remains very high.
Promoting deep processing, developing specialty coffee, sustainably certified coffee and effectively utilizing Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) are expected to help Vietnamese coffee industry maintain its growth momentum and move closer to the US$10 billion export target.

Source: Vitic/ congthuong.vn