Brazil Coffee Demand to Top Forecast as Economy Grows

Coffee demand in Brazil, the world’s largest producer, may rise more than expected this year as the economy grows at the fastest in 15 years, helping keep prices stay near a 12-year high, the head of an industry group said.

Consumption may rise to a record 19.6 million bags this year, more than the 19.3 million bags estimated at the beginning of the year and the 18.4 million bags consumed last year, Nathan Herszkowicz, executive director for Brazil’s Coffee Industry Association, known as Abic, said in an interview today.