South Africa

South Africa

Discover the rich flavours of South African coffee with our curated selection! Whether you're looking for wholesale quantities or smaller sizes for sampling, we make it simple to explore the unique world of South African coffee.

Your guide to South Africa

  • What is special about South African coffee?

    While South Africa doesn’t compete with global coffee giants in volume, what it lacks in quantity, it makes up for with a strong commitment to using sustainable and ethical practices to produce high-quality coffee. The country imports more coffee than it exports due to its low production levels and high costs, largely driven by elevated labour expenses.
    Despite these challenges, South Africa holds a unique place in the coffee world as the home of Racemosa, the world’s rarest coffee. This exceptional species adds a layer of intrigue and prestige to South African coffee, capturing the attention of enthusiasts and researchers alike.

  • Where is coffee grown in South Africa?

    Coffee cultivation in South Africa is relatively small, with only around 200 hectares of land dedicated to growing coffee. However, the regions where coffee thrives, such as Mpumalanga and KwaZulu-Natal, offer exceptional conditions that allow the industry to flourish.
    KwaZulu-Natal, in particular, is noted for its rich, slightly acidic soil, high humidity, and cooling coastal winds, all of which contribute to ideal growing conditions. Interestingly, coffee in South Africa grows at lower altitudes compared to traditional coffee-producing regions. While most premium coffee is cultivated at higher elevations within the coffee belt, South African coffee is typically grown between 200 and 800 meters above sea level.

  • What types of coffee are grown in South Africa?

    South Africa primarily produces Arabica coffee, with popular varietals including SL-28, Catuai, and Catimor F6. These beans are cultivated with care and precision, ensuring a rich and satisfying coffee experience for those lucky enough to enjoy them.
    Beyond Arabica, South Africa is also the proud home of Racemosa coffee, a wild coffee species indigenous to the region. Racemosa is highly resilient, with natural resistance to drought, coffee leaf rust, and coffee berry borers. This rare coffee has gained attention for its potential to serve as a sustainable alternative to Arabica, particularly as the coffee industry faces increasing challenges from climate change.

Your questions, answered

Can you facilitate custom sourcing for specific South African regions or processing methods?

Of course! We would be delighted to support you in sourcing coffee from South Africa, whether you have a particular varietal, process or region in mind. Simply drop us a message at hello@greencoffeecollective.com, and we’ll work closely with you to explore the options and meet your specific needs.

What is the Green Coffee Collective?

We’re a community of coffee producers and sourcing experts, all working together to make green coffee easy to access—whether you’re a hobby roaster at home or a professional roasting hundreds of tonnes a year. Our platform is designed to simplify buying green coffee, just like any other online shopping experience. No fuss, just great coffee at your fingertips.

Are your coffees ethically and sustainably sourced?

Absolutely! We source all our coffees either directly from producers or through trusted sourcing partners who are just as committed to ethical practices as we are. We take the time to ensure the people behind the coffee are treated fairly. If you want to learn more, you can dive into our values.

How can I get in touch with your team?

We love hearing from our customers. If you’ve got a question or need any help, just shoot us an email at hello@greencoffeecollective.com, and a member of our team will be happy to assist you. We’re always here to make sure you’re taken care of!

Do you offer samples or trial batches before committing to larger orders?

Yes, we offer samples for most of our coffees. If you need a larger sample than what’s typically available, we recommend trying one of the smaller quantity options listed on our site. That way, you can test the coffee before committing to a larger order.

What is your minimum order quantity (MOQ) for large-scale or long-term contracts?

For larger-scale or long-term contracts, you can start with as little as a single bag. We’re also working on tools to help you access harvests and reserve coffees before they even leave the country. While it’s not fully ready yet, we’re always here to help roasters of any size connect with the producers they want to work with.