South Africa Green Coffee Beans

South Africa Green Coffee Beans

South African coffee is produced on a very small scale, mostly in regions just outside the traditional coffee belt. Lower-altitude growing conditions, coastal climates and rich soils create flavour profiles that differ from the high-elevation coffees more commonly associated with specialty production. South Africa is also home to Coffea racemosa, a rare naturally low-caffeine, drought-resistant species that grows wild along parts of the eastern coast. Most of the coffee grown in the country is consumed locally, which makes South African coffee a rarity internationally.

  • Racemosa
    South Africa

    Racemosa

    Racemosa

    Cupping Score
    91.25
    Processing method
    Washed
    Varietal
    Heirloom wild genetics
    Main flavour notes
    Weird | Cannabis | Dried Tomato | Umami | *Not Like Arabica*
    0kg left
    Out of Stock
  • Natural Racemosa
    South Africa

    Natural Racemosa

    Natural Racemosa

    Processing method
    Natural
    Varietal
    Heirloom wild genetics
    Main flavour notes
    Passion Fruit | Peach | Sugarcane | Basil | Mint | Cedar
    0kg left
    Out of Stock

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Your guide to South Africa Green Coffee Beans

  • 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 is grown in a handful of regions, with KwaZulu-Natal and Mpumalanga being the most established. Lower elevations are common here, as the climate and latitude provide enough warmth for coffee to develop without the high altitudes seen elsewhere. Soils in KwaZulu-Natal are rich and slightly acidic, and the region’s coastal winds and humidity support cultivation. Smaller, newer plantings can be found in Limpopo, especially where farmers are diversifying from other crops.

  • How did coffee production develop in South Africa?

    Coffee was first cultivated here in the 1800s, but early progress was cut short by pests, disease and the rise of more profitable crops like sugarcane. Production resurfaced in the mid-20th century with renewed interest and imported varieties such as SL28 and SL34, but the combination of high labour costs and falling international prices meant that many estates eventually closed. Today, only around 200 hectares of land are planted with coffee, though domestic interest is growing again.

  • What types of coffee are grown in South Africa?

    Most South African coffee is Arabica, including SL28, Catuai and Catimor F6. The country is also home to Coffea racemosa, a hardy, drought-resistant and naturally low-caffeine species native to the eastern coastal forests. While racemosa is still grown on a very small scale, it has attracted attention for its potential as climate change reshapes global coffee production.

  • How does growing outside the traditional coffee belt shape flavour?

    Lower altitudes and coastal climates create a different maturation cycle to high-mountain origins. Flavour profiles are varied, but South African coffees can show lighter body, subtle aromatics and gentle fruit or spice notes. Racemosa in particular is known for herbal and slightly smoky characteristics, with flavours that are distinct from conventional Arabica.

  • How much coffee does South Africa produce?

    Production is extremely limited - roughly 2000 bags annually - and most of it is consumed locally. Domestic coffee culture has grown quickly in recent years, with many roasteries opening across the country. As a result, very little South African-grown coffee reaches export markets.

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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.

Why is South African coffee so rare internationally?

Production volumes are small, labour costs are high, and domestic consumption absorbs most of what is grown. Exporting becomes less viable when local demand is strong and supply is limited.

When is the harvest for South African coffee?

Harvest runs from around February or March through to September, with cherries picked in stages as they ripen.