From the Field, News
Tuesday, October 14, 2025
First Looks at the 2025/26 Central America Harvest
After last year’s delayed start to the harvest, producers across Central America and Mexico are heading into the 2025/26 cycle with cautious optimism. Thanks to improved weather conditions during the first half of the year, early signs point to increased production and a more typical harvest timeline. We checked in with Oscar Fernando Hurtado Ramirez, Global Head of Production Research at Sucafina, for a first look at expectations across the region.
This article at a glance:
- Year-on-year production growth is projected at +3%
- First volumes are expected in the second half of October
- Peak harvest timing is likely in December and January
Harvest Outlook: Stronger Start and Better Weather
Last season’s Central America (CAM) harvest began unusually late, in December. This year, producers expect an earlier start with small volumes beginning in the second half of October and increasing through November. The harvest should reach its peak between December and January, which would align with historical norms.
According to Oscar, “The crop expectation in the whole region is positive. We are expecting more coffee production in each country due to better weather conditions during the first half of the year.” Total production across the CAM region is expected to reach approximately 18 million bags. That includes Robusta and represents a 3,3% increase over last year, roughly 570,000 additional bags.
Crop quality and conversions are also looking favorable. Lower pest and disease pressure has created more stable conditions that support plant health and improve the outlook for yields. Nevertheless, the rust attacks could increase considering the higher proportion of susceptible varieties planted in the region, combined with the wetter conditions of October & December.
EUDR is Still a Big Unknown
While harvest preparations are on track, concern over EUDR remains high. “The expectation about the EUDR regulation continues to be the highest worry among the farmers and the coffee sector,” Oscar says. Despite recent progress, producers are still unsure how the full implementation of the regulation will unfold, particularly for the region’s small farmers.
Creating Opportunity Through Education
In Central America we are working with Seeds for Progress to strengthen rural education in coffee-growing communities. Active in Guatemala within areas such as Santa Rosa, Jalapa and Chiquimula, Seeds for Progress supports school infrastructure, teacher training and safe learning spaces for children during the coffee harvest when many parents are working.
One of the current programs, Opportunity through Pre-School Education, focuses on improving preschool classrooms in Santa Rosa by equipping them with child-friendly furniture and supporting educators through training. The project is part of our Beyond Flagship efforts in Guatemala and contributes to the human rights goal within IMPACT, Sucafina’s Responsible Sourcing Program. As these programs grow to reach more communities, we remain committed to supporting long-term impact at origin.
We’ll continue to share updates from the field as the harvest gets underway. If you’re interested in planning for volumes from the CAM region, make sure to reach out to your trader.