From the Field, News
Monday, April 7, 2025
What to Expect from Brazil’s Robusta Crop in 2025/26
As the 2025/26 Robusta harvest approaches in Brazil, preparation is in full swing across major growing regions. While weather remains a factor to watch, early field reports are pointing to strong potential for volume and little disruption expected. To better understand the outlook, we checked in with Romulo Carlos Bueno Ruela, Field Research Manager at Sucafina Brasil, who has been tracking crop conditions and farmer readiness closely, and Mariana Martins, Sustainability Manager at Sucafina Brasil, who updated us on Sucafina’s sustainability initiatives in Brazil’s Robusta regions.
Here are some of the key takeaways:
- Brazil’s 2025/26 Robusta harvest is expected to begin at the end of April.
- Record volumes are forecast in Espírito Santo and Bahia, potentially lifting national production to new highs.
- Though nearly 90% of Robusta farms are irrigated, rainfall remains a key variable.
- Sucafina is deepening sustainability efforts in Brazil through expanded IMPACT participation.
Field Conditions & Crop Development
Farmers across Brazil’s Robusta-growing regions are preparing for the 2025/26 harvest, with activity expected to begin at the end of April (a bit later than 2024’s harvest). Based on current field surveys, Espírito Santo and Bahia are expected to lead production this year, with volumes that could surpass previous seasons. As a result, national Robusta output may reach its highest level to date.
Farmers are expressing confidence in both crop development and harvest readiness. Cherry is developing well and is of decent size, and quality is tracking within normal parameters. While irrigation is widely used – estimated at 90% of Robusta farms – rainfall remains important for overall plant health. “Irrigation provides some security, but rain still plays a vital role, and producers are paying close attention to weather patterns,” says Romulo Carlos Bueno Ruela, Field Research Manager at Sucafina Brasil.
So far, no major disruptions have been reported across Brazil’s Robusta regions. Producers are focused on harvest readiness by checking machinery, preparing processing setups and organizing logistics in the field. “All indicators point to a harvest that should proceed without major issues,” says Romulo Carlos Bueno Ruela. As the harvest window approaches, farmers are keeping a close eye on field conditions and staying prepared for a smooth start to the season.
Strengthening Sustainability in Robusta Regions
Through IMPACT, our responsible sourcing program, Sucafina Brasil is supporting more Robusta producers in adopting stronger sustainability practices. Verified farmers receive support through farm visits, workshops and one-on-one consultations with Sucafina sustainability team, helping them meet additional improvement indicators, on which farmers must meet progressively more criteria at each audit and continuously improve goals.
In 2024, we began expanding the IMPACT Program to Robusta-growing regions, particularly in the south of Bahia and Rondônia. As of 2025, combined with our work in Espírito Santo, we are reaching 300 producers across 400+ IMPACT farms.
“This year, we expect a 30% increase of IMPACT-verified Robusta,” says Mariana Martins, Sustainability Manager at Sucafina Brasil. “This expansion shows Sucafina Brasil's commitment to supporting farmers in strengthening sustainable practices in the Robusta regions in several states.”
For a deeper dive into our sustainability programs in Brazil, across key areas like human rights and forest conservation, read this article.
If you’re looking to secure volumes from Brazil’s upcoming Robusta crop and/or are interested in IMPACT Verified, this is a good time to reach out to your trader to discuss availability and prebooking options. We’ll continue sharing updates as the season progresses and will follow up later in the year with a full Arabica update, so watch this space!