World map showing coffee producing and consuming countries.
The International Coffee Organization (ICO) was set up in 1963 in London, under the auspices of the United Nations (UN) because of the great economic importance of coffee. It administers the International Coffee Agreement (ICA), an important instrument for development cooperation. The International Coffee Council is the highest authority of the Organization and is composed of representatives of each Member Government. It meets in March and September to discuss coffee matters, approve strategic documents and consider the recommendations of advisory bodies and committees.
