Jamaica Blue Mountain Coffee Production Hits 25-Year Low: Protecting a Jamaican Coffee Legacy

By Island Coffee Traders

Jamaica’s Blue Mountain Coffee industry is facing a significant challenge, with production reportedly falling to its lowest level in 25 years. The decline is raising important questions about the future of one of the world’s most recognised specialty coffees and highlighting the urgent need to protect the farmers, agricultural communities and heritage behind the industry.

For Jamaica, Blue Mountain Coffee is more than an agricultural commodity. It represents generations of farming knowledge, international recognition and a distinctive part of the island’s cultural and economic identity.

Production Falls to 191,000 Boxes

According to figures shared by Dr. Norman Grant, managing director of Mavis Bank Coffee Factory Limited, Jamaica’s Blue Mountain Coffee production fell to approximately 191,000 boxes during the last season, compared with around 500,000 boxes before Hurricane Beryl in 2024.

The decline reflects the cumulative impact of successive hurricanes, particularly Hurricanes Beryl and Melissa, which caused significant damage to coffee farms and disrupted agricultural production.

The scale of the challenge becomes even clearer when compared with international demand. Grant indicated that demand currently stands at approximately 350,000 boxes of Blue Mountain Coffee, alongside demand for approximately 28,000 boxes of High Mountain Coffee.

This gap between production and demand illustrates the pressure facing Jamaica’s coffee supply chain.

The figures were reported by Radio Jamaica following an interview with Grant.

The Impact on Jamaica’s Coffee Farmers

Behind the declining production figures are thousands of Jamaican farmers whose livelihoods depend on coffee cultivation.

The industry supports approximately 5,000 farmers, many operating small farms across the Blue Mountain region and surrounding coffee-growing communities.

Hurricane damage has affected mature coffee trees, reduced harvests and damaged the infrastructure needed to transport coffee from farms to processing facilities.

Recovery is particularly challenging because coffee cultivation requires long-term investment. Replacing damaged or destroyed trees does not produce an immediate return. Newly planted coffee trees require several years before they begin producing commercially viable harvests.

More recently, drought and bush fires have introduced additional risks. Reports from September 2026 highlighted significant damage to farms in sections of the Blue Mountains, with some affected farmers losing substantial portions of their crops.

These challenges demonstrate that recovery requires more than replacing damaged trees. Farmers need access to irrigation, agricultural inputs, farm-road rehabilitation, technical assistance and sustainable financing.

The Importance of Investment and Agricultural Support

Industry representatives are calling for stronger and more consistent investment to help restore production capacity.

Dr. Grant has urged the government to provide J$300 million annually over the next five years to support approximately 5,000 coffee farmers and improve productivity.

The proposed investment is intended to help increase production from approximately 40 boxes per acre to 80 boxes per acre.

Government assistance has also been directed towards rehabilitation programmes, including the distribution of seedlings and agricultural inputs through the Ministry of Agriculture and the Jamaica Agricultural Commodities Regulatory Authority (JACRA).

However, the scale of the industry’s challenges means that sustained collaboration between government agencies, exporters, processors, farmers and international buyers will be essential.

What Does This Mean for the International Coffee Market?

Jamaica Blue Mountain Coffee occupies a distinctive position in the international specialty coffee market.

Its reputation is built on its geographical origin, growing conditions, established quality standards and generations of agricultural expertise.

Japan remains an important export destination, while the United States, Canada, China and other international markets also represent opportunities for Jamaican coffee.

With production declining and international demand remaining substantial, the availability of authentic Jamaica Blue Mountain Coffee is under increasing pressure.

The supply shortage also highlights the importance of maintaining clear distinctions between 100% Jamaica Blue Mountain Coffee and products marketed as blends containing Jamaican coffee.

For international buyers, importers and specialty coffee roasters, origin verification, quality assurance and reliable relationships with established Jamaican suppliers are increasingly important.

The challenge is not simply finding enough coffee to satisfy demand. It is ensuring that the coffee reaching international consumers maintains the standards and authenticity associated with Jamaica’s most recognised coffee-growing region.

Why Protecting Jamaica Blue Mountain Coffee Matters

Jamaica Blue Mountain Coffee represents generations of agricultural knowledge, family businesses and rural livelihoods.

Its international reputation was not built overnight. It reflects decades of dedication from farmers, processors, exporters and the wider Jamaican coffee community.

As production comes under pressure, protecting the industry requires a long-term approach that prioritises the people responsible for producing the coffee.

This includes encouraging younger generations to participate in agriculture, investing in climate-resilient farming practices, improving infrastructure and ensuring that farmers receive the support necessary to maintain productive operations.

There is also an important role for international buyers. Building lasting relationships with Jamaican coffee suppliers and recognising the realities of production costs can help support the sustainability of the industry.

Island Coffee Traders: Committed to Jamaica’s Coffee Heritage

At Island Coffee Traders, our commitment is rooted in Jamaica and its coffee-growing heritage. As a Jamaican Blue Mountain Coffee business connected to a family farming tradition, we understand that the value of this coffee extends far beyond its reputation in international markets.

It represents the dedication of farmers, the preservation of agricultural knowledge and the continuation of a legacy that deserves protection.

The current production challenges reinforce the importance of supporting Jamaica’s coffee industry through responsible sourcing, strong relationships and a commitment to authenticity.

We believe the future of Jamaica Blue Mountain Coffee depends on protecting its origins, supporting its farmers and ensuring that future generations can continue producing one of the world’s most recognised coffees.

Jamaica Blue Mountain Coffee is more than a product. It is a Jamaican legacy worth protecting.