Coffee has been a central part of Tanzania's culture and economy since the 16th century. Although its role has changed over the past four centuries, coffee today generates about 5% (about US$100 million) of the country's export earnings and provides employment—directly or indirectly—to 6% of the population (about 2.4 million people). ‎
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Of those engaged in coffee production, approximately 450,000 people are smallholders who produce more than 90% of the 30,000-40,000 metric tons of coffee grown in Tanzania annually. Small farmers cultivate plots of 0.5 to 3 hectares. The remaining 10% of total production is grown by large estates located mainly in the Arusha, Kilimanjaro and Mbeya regions. ‎
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The harvesting season in Tanzania usually runs from July to December. Green coffee is usually sold at auction or directly to buyers. Most of the coffee is shipped from two major ports, one in Dar es Salaam and the other in Tangier. The long distances between rural farmers, often at high altitudes, and the two ports on Tanzania's eastern edge create a complex coffee supply chain.