Brazilian Coffee Crop Below Average Quality

WASHINGTON - May 23/05 - SNS -- Brazilian coffee production in 2004-05 is now estimated at 42.4 million (60 kilogram) bags, green equivalent, according to the U.S. agricultural attache for the country.

Arabica and robusta production should account for 33.4 and 9 million bags, respectively. Approximately 90% of the Brazilian 2004-05 crop has already been marketed. Traders report that the overall quality of the beans is considered considerably below average compared to the past twenty years.

Prolonged rainfall through the harvest period in the states of Parana, Sao Paulo, Minas Gerais and Espirito Santo resulted in excessive humidity and affected the quality of the product. In southwestern Minas Gerais, a major arabica producing region, it is estimated that only 30 to 40% of the beans have good-to-better-than-good quality.

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