COFFEE INTELLIGENCE
- Q2 2026
The State of Specialty Coffee
Q2 2026 market information from 1,752 single origin coffees, across 250 small roasters.
Colombia is #1
22.8%
Of the single origins in the Q2 2026 dataset were Colombian – more than any other origin.
Washed leads
50% of the Q2 2026 coffees (877 out of 1,752) were washed, by far the most common processing method.
Prices
20% of all coffees were priced between $20 and $25 (for 12 oz bag).
Certifications are rare
Only one in six coffees in the Q2 2026 dataset had at least one agricultural or environmental certification.
A few origins dominate
55% of the Q2 2026 coffees came from just five origins - Colombia, Ethiopia, Guatemala, Brazil, and Honduras.
COFFEE BLOG
Specialty Coffee Is Getting More Selective
An analysis of over 5,000 single origin coffees spanning Q4 2025 through Q2 2026 shows how, and to what extent, roasters have modified their origin selections and pricing in the midst of significant global economic and climate pressure …
What Do Roasters Actually Put On Their Bag Labels?
Single origin coffee bags have a lot of work to do …
What Smithsonian Bird Friendly Coffee Really Means
If you buy specialty coffee online, chances are you’ve seen a dizzying mix of sustainability claims and logos …
Altitude and Traceability
Roasters will sometimes include an altitude range in their coffee descriptions, but how does altitude affect a coffee’s quality and traceability? …
Coffee Index
What is Lightyear?
Lightyear helps you discover exceptional coffees through hand-picked selections, market data, and original research.
Selected coffees
We hand-pick exceptional coffees from small roasters who prioritize sustainability, innovation, and transparency
Coffee data
We collect and visualize coffee data to help you explore and understand what's in your cup
Coffee Insights
Tasting notes by origin
Tasting note patterns across a large set of coffees
Cultivation altitude vs. taste profile
Roast level vs. taste profile
