Sabtu, 29 September 2012

Top 10 Coffee Producing Countries


Coffee is produced from the roasted seeds of the coffee plant and is cultivated in around 70 countries. The Arab world first welcomed the cultivation of coffee and it is one of the most consumed beverage of the world. After the Muslim world, it started penetrating in India and then the rest of the Europe and America. Nowadays we perceive coffee as a beverage but in old times, the African tribes used to eat coffee by mixing it with fat. How many among you know about the “Bean Belt”?. It might sound familiar to some of you. It is the area between the Tropics of Cancer and Capricorn and it is the only area in which all the coffee of the world is grown. If we talk of U.S, then the only area which falls in this belt is Hawaii and consequently it is the only state in U.S where coffee is grown. Kings can think of anything and then pass any law accordingly. Yes, this is what happened in 1675. The King of England banned all the coffee houses because he was of the opinion that these are the places where people congregate to plan conspiracies against him. Now let us get on to the top 10 chart of the countries producing the most coffee. Before starting on with the list, I would like to mention here something which you will need to understand about the production figure. All the following production figures will mean number of bags and each bag weighs around 60 kilograms. Furthermore, I have collected this data from the U.S Department of Agriculture. Let’s check out the list of top 10 Coffee Producing Countries

Last Update: 24-January-2012


coffee Top 10 Coffee Producing Countries


10.Mexico

The production of coffee in Mexico is about 3,700,000 bags. This is the current figure but Mexico has set its eyes on the year 2012 to increase its production capacity. According to Gabriel Barreda, President of the National Union of Coffee Producers, a rise of about 10-15% is expected in the overall coffee production in the year 2012.


9.Guatemala

The production here is 3,910,000 bags. The history of the coffee industry in Guatemala dates back to 1860′s and at that time the locals didn’t have sufficient money to invest in the coffee estates. For this particular reason, the foreigners invested huge capital in Guatemala and now own coffee plantations there. U.S is the largest market for the export of coffee from Guatemala followed by Japan.


8.Peru

Peru produces around 4,000,000 bags. Coffee is one of the main agricultural sectors of Peru and it makes large amount of money by the export of coffee. There are almost 200,0000 farms of Arabica, a type of coffee, in Peru but the size of the farms is small ___ approximately equal to 2 hectares.


7.Honduras

The coffee production in Honduras is 4,000,000 bags. Honduras is primarily an agricultural country and its economy is dependent on agricultural expots to a very great extent. Coffee is the largest export crop for this country. Honduras is blessed with all tha environmental factors which are required for coffee production but it seriously lack in the pertinent infrastructure, processing techniques and a distinct ‘name’ due to which the exporters of coffee in this country are unable to charge premium prices from the customers.


6.Ethiopia

Ethiopia produces around 4,400,000 bags of coffee. There are myriad ways to produce coffee and Ethiopia has around four types of production systems; forest coffee, semi- forest coffee, garden coffee and plantation coffee. Coffee is very vital to the economy of this country and this is validated by the fact that around 25% of the total population of Ethiopia is relying on coffee for their livelihood.


5.India

In India, the coffee production is approximately 5,100,000 bags. Although India has managed to grab the fifth position in the top ten chart but according to some industry experts in this country, the total production of coffee may possibly go down by ten percent. The reason anticipated is the sporadic rains which have started early this year.


4.Indonesia

There is a great jump in the production of coffee in Indonesia as compared to India with a figure of around 9,325,000 bags. According to an estimate, about 90% of the coffee production in this country is done by small farm holders and the size of the farms is nearly one hectare.Coffea canephora, a type of coffee, constitutes the major portion of the export of Indonesia and the rest goes to the Coffea Arabica.


3.Colombia

The production of coffee in Colombia is around 9,500,000 bags. Colombian coffee is not an ordinary one like the other coffee producing countries because it has a unique taste and a very high quality coffee beans. The production of coffee will not be increased seemingly due to bad weather condition prevailing in Colombia. The overall weather forecast for the year 2012 is not very appealing to the cultivators throughout the world.


2.Vietnam

The production of coffee in Vietnam touches a figure of 18,725,000 bags. In the initial stages of the cultivation of coffee, water is essential for a healthy crop. Taking this thing into consideration, the farmers have started watering the fields because the weather forecast is dry and enough water will have to be supplied as a repercussion. The export of coffee is on the rise and a forecast of four percent rise in exports is there by the analysts. Vietnam is the top robust producer.


1.Brazil

The estimated production of coffee in Brazil is about 54,500,000 bags. About one third of all the coffee produced in the world is attributed to Brazil and the more cherishing thing for Brazilians is that they have maintained this top position for around 150 years. Notwithstanding, the Brazilian coffee does not have a dominating impression in the International market. Even in the domestic market of Brazil, the two U.S coffee processors ___ Sara Lee and Kraft Foods ___ have steal the show.

Top 10 Honey Producing Countries in the World


The month of September celebrates the National Honey Month which allows everyone to appreciate the tireless efforts of bees in producing half a teaspoon of honey after flying 500 miles, and you would not believe it, but the storage or production of honey is being done by female bees. In fact, there are different products in the world which are made of honey or have a mixed of honey. In fact, it’s being used in medicinal applications, health maintenance, and other valuable products that can be used at home. It does not just sweeten the taste of the food that we eat, but it even makes things sweeter and healthier. With the efforts of the National Honey Board in the United States, they have decided to declare the month of September as a National Honey Month in 1989. It’s supported greatly by the U.S. Department of Agriculture.  You might wonder why the celebration happens in the month of September, simply because the harvesting time for honey falls in this month. Its primary purpose why this recognition is being done yearly every month of September is to make promotion of the beekeeping industry, and as part of that awareness, let’s get to know the top 10 honey producing countries in the world aside from the United States of America that has declared the value of Honey in 1989.

10. Spain
There are different honey producers or suppliers in Spain, but some of its topmost brands are Vitalis Honey Syrup, and Honey Thousand Flowers. In fact, it’s a favorite ingredient in making turronand its part of the traditional Christmas celebration in all their confectionaries. It ranked number 10 as to its recent survey for meeting a total production of honey for about 37,000. You could find multi-flower honeys specifically in Southern part of Spain especially in the province of Granada or Andalusia. This is the place where you could found the rich sources of honey like in avocado, chestnut, orange blossom honey, rosemary, and thyme. Hence, Spain considered Galicia as the best place in Spain where you could find the best and popular honey which is made of blackberry, chestnut, and heather. This is the biggest and largest production figures that they have achieved, and their lowest output recorded was the 2005 record of 27,230 volume of honey. There are about 40 companies that produce over 20 tons of honey in Spain.
9. Ethiopia 9. Ethiopia e1348027516628 Top 10 Honey Producing Countries in the World
It ranked number 9 on this list for achieving 39,000 total production of honey. Moreover, it is the top producer of honey in Africa while it ranked 4th as the producer of beeswax in the world. Despite of the inadequacy of technology in the mass production of honey which also limits them to get through the international market, it has managed to maintain to be part of the top 10 honey producing countries in the world. In fact, majority of their products are honeycomb and honey itself. Hence, their major product still focuses on beeswax wherein Ethiopia is maintaining. Their importers are from the European countries, Japan, and some parts in the United States. In fact, it has the biggest population of bees in Africa as well, and they have maintained greatly the bee colonies and some of their best honey products are their natural honey, Ethiopian honey, and white honey.
8. India 8. India e1348027507339 Top 10 Honey Producing Countries in the World
Honey was discovered in India in between 2,000 B.C. and 3,000 B.C and these are supported because of the ancient Indian texts which were popularly known as Vedas. In fact, it was the first food that ancient Indians have tasted since majority of them had inhabited in rocks, and forests as their primary shelters. This is the reason that honey became a part of their lives, and in fact, they actually considered it as a magical substance that could sustain them, and preserve their crops and lands. Beekeeping is one of the primary industries that they have cultivated and developed over time until the formation of Khadi and Village Industries Commission took the development and hasty process of beekeeping. In fact, according to their report, their forest honey alone could produce around 10,000 tons each year. Based on the recent ranking, it has produced a total of 52,000 volume of honey that placed them to number 8th spot. This honey is being marketed to confectionary, pharmaceutical companies, and other food industries in India.
7. Russia 7. Russia e1348027499276 Top 10 Honey Producing Countries in the World
According to the pages of history in Russia, honey was their favorite, but things changed after the Soviet Union collapsed, which paved the way to the introduction of chocolates, jams, and other foreign sweet products that diverted the focus of the market. Early on, it’s being used in tea, bread, and pancake. It’s also used in preparing a milk drink, and it became an antiseptic ingredient too. Despite of the higher cost or price of honey in Russia, experts have observed and took note that Russia has the most probable rate of increase in production despite of the lower consumption rate among the citizens in Russia. It has produced a total of 53,000 volume of honey that placed the country in the number seven spot. Hence, primarily, honey is being used in Russia for remedy and in compresses purposes. It became part of the Russian diet before, but it has declined because of the exaggerated proportion that they have allocated before. In fact, its presence has been revived when 19th century began, and they even hold the yearly Honey Fair or better known as Yamarka Myoda. 
6. Mexico 6. Mexico e1348027489678 Top 10 Honey Producing Countries in the World
Honey has become part of the Mexican cuisines and culture dated back in the time of Mayans, and has held its fame until this present time. The most common types of honey that they have in the market which are the favorite of its citizens are orange blossom honey, and avocado honey. It’s primarily use in savory recipes and as a sweetener. When Mayans used this, it’s for the sole purpose of medicinal value aside from sweetening effect of it. All of which were produced because of the large presence of stingless melliponine bee which is a popular bee in Mexico. Nonetheless, it became extinct, and Africanized bees became the primary source of honey in Mexico. In fact, majority of honey being produced in Mexico comes in varieties of colors which are nectar dependent. Of course, it can be bought these days in jars, candy, and even as nuts flavor. It ranked number 6 on this list for meeting a total production of 56, 808 volume of honey.
5. Ukraine 5. Ukraine e1348027482911 Top 10 Honey Producing Countries in the World
Economist and experts have observed great improvement when it comes to honey production of Ukraine. In fact, it is a few steps to the number one spot; much more that it has received recognition from the World Beekeeping Congress Apimondia by winning 4 gold and bronze medals. It’s production and exportation has increased by 50% compared to 2008 results which positively identify the growth of honey in Ukraine. In fact, based on their report, there are about 50 to 70 thousands of tons of honey being produced annually. It has been noted as well that there is a yearly increase of livestock of bees which was the reason why they have left Russia when it comes to overall ranking of countries that have produced great number of honey. The major source of honey comes from their sunflower honey which covers 50% of total production, and followed by Acacia honey and buckwheat of about 10%. The remaining percentage of sources occupied different varieties of honey which are produced in Ukraine. Imagine the difference that Ukraine has in some countries that are part  of this list which are ranked number 6 to 10, it has produced 60, 502 total  production of honey which is 7,000 difference against Russia.
4. Turkey 4. Turkey e1348027471398 Top 10 Honey Producing Countries in the World
It did not only ranked number 4 among the top 10 honey producing countries in the world, but it’s the top country producer of pine honey in the world.    In fact, 92% of piney honey is found in Aegean Region while the remaining 8% is in Greece. Moreover, it has received a certification along with countries like Scotland, and Austria as an organic honey producer which goes the same with New Zealand, Mexico, and Nicaragua. The good thing about these statistics, the consumption rate is still so high in Turkey which significantly indicates that its citizens support their own production of honey. It has an increased production of 73,929 which made up a 13,000 difference against Ukraine.
3. Argentina
3. Argentina e1348027459855 Top 10 Honey Producing Countries in the World
Honey is one of the economic boosters of Argentina because it gives 100,000,000 dollars income from their commercial exportation of honey. In fact, they have been exporting about 80% of their honey internationally and most of which come from the Wet Pampa and Santiago del Estero which are known good honey producers in the whole country of Argentina. In fact, there were research, and study conducted to prove that point. It’s not just the producer of honey, but it contributes to the 20% exportation in the world which is being distributed in different countries. Hence, 50% of their production is being exported to Germany. Some of their popular honey products are natural honey bee, natural high quality honey from Argentina, and organic and non-organic pure honey. The only advantage that they have when it comes to honey production is their ability in keeping pure stock of honey compared in other parts of Latin America. It has produced a total of 80,000 volume of honey that has exceeded turkey by 7,000 volume of difference.
2. United States of America
2. United States of America e1348027449427 Top 10 Honey Producing Countries in the World
Despite of the drought that majority of the states in America have experienced that also affected the honey crop and its economic status, it has managed to grabbed the second spot on this list of top 10 honey producing countries in the world. Moreover, despite of the extreme low side report, there are other sources that have managed to maintain the extraction and production of honey specifically in Minnesota and Dakota. There are also good sources of honey production in the northeast, Mideast, southeast, and southwest of America. Their popular honey products are natural organic honey which is common favorite or pick in some countries as well since its natural flavor is preserved. There is a wide distribution as well of Africanized honeybees, however, according to history, there are about 300 varieties of honey  which also serve as important pollinators when it comes to agricultural crops not just in the United States, but worldwide. Their honey bee population is classified into two, the managed breeding, and the unmanaged feral population which are sources of artificial and natural productions of honey. It has produced 82,000 volume of honey which is 2,000 volume of difference against Argentina that ranked number 3 on this list.

1. China 
1. China e1348027436125 Top 10 Honey Producing Countries in the World
Honey in China could be traced back under the Zhou dynasty which is a known food being served for royal families. Even before the discovery of the medicinal benefits of honey, ancient Chinese people have already used it for medical purposes like healing. It became part of their earliest herbal medicine set before any Chinese medicines came in to the international market. In fact, according to their records, honey could be used for deficiency problems, act as antioxidant in blood, and could build-up resistance against diseases. They have been the number one producer of honey in the world for the past years, and they are still on top of this list since they are major exporter of it in various countries in the world. In fact, some countries would just replace the label of their products, and would claim it as their own. Previously, their major competitors are Mexico and Argentina. It has produced a total of 305,000 tons of honey compared to the United States figures of 82,000 total production of honey. In fact, United States has already imported honey products from their country, and there were also issues of it since 2011.

Top 10 Best Funny Movies of 2012


For many people, watching movies provides an escape from everyday life; a suspension of disbelief as we immerse ourselves in the lives of the on-screen characters. There is no better genre than comedy for making us feel good. A good comedy has the ability to make us not only chuckle, but laugh so hysterically that you struggle for breath, cry and maybe even wee a little as a result – these are the comedy films that we love. Here are the top 10 best comedy films that you must see in 2012:

Funny Movies 2012




10) American Pie: Reunion

Released on 6 May 2012, American Pie: Reunion sees the return of the original characters from the first instalment of the American Pie films. Directed by John Hurwitz and Hayden Schlossberg, the film follows Jim (Jason Biggs), Stifler (Sean William Scott), Michelle (Alyson Hannigan), and others of they catch up with each other at a “Class of 99” high school reunion. The laughs soon begin to flow as the former classmates realise that their friends have changed somewhat since school.

9) LOL

In case you didn’t know, LOL is an acronym for Laugh out Loud and this film starring Miley Cyrus, Ashley Greene and Demi Moore is all about the pressures of high school romance, friendship and avoiding ones overbearing parents. This coming-of-age story has laughs aplenty, especially in the relationship between mother (Moore) and daughter (Cyrus). This movie was released in the UK on June 1st.

8) Wanderlust

Make a movie about a couple and cast Paul Rudd and Jennifer Aniston in the lead roles and you know you’re onto a winner. Wanderlust, which was released in cinemas back in March and is now available on DVD and Blu-ray, tells the story of a couple forced to change their lifestyle and live in a commune. By living a life without a lot of money, a high-flying career or fancy clothes, they learn to appreciate life – but only after they have suffered, hilariously!

7) 21 Jump Street

21 Jump Street stars Jonah Hill and Channing Tatum as Schmidt and Jenko, two guys that leave behind their adolescent problems to join the police force. As part of the secretive Jump Street unit, the pair are required to go undercover in a local high school, and while they think they know everything there is to know about high school, they quickly realise they are wrong and that their adolescent problems still haunt them. This Great action comedy is available on DVD from July 9, 2012.

6) That’s My Boy

This father and son story focuses on how a father Donny (played by Adam Sandler) can get close to his son Todd (played by Adam Samberg) after years of separation. Todd’s world comes crashing down in hilarious circumstances when Donny shows up on the eve of his wedding – uninvited of course. Trying anyway possible to reconnect with Todd, Donny must deal with the consequences of being a bad parent. You can look forward to seeing this film in the UK on 7 September.

5) Madagascar 3: Europe’s Most Wanted

This 3D animation comedy directed by Eric Darnell, Tom McGrath and Conrad Vernon sees Alex the Lion (voiced by Ben Stiller), Marty the Zebra (Chris Rock), Gloria the Hippo (Jada Pinkett-Smith) and Melman the Giraffe (David Schwimmer) continue their fight to get back to their beloved New York. If you’ve ever seen the previous instalments of the film, you will love this. Expect to see the film in cinemas on 19 October.

4) The Three Stooges

The Three Stooges are a classic American slapstick comedy trio and this excellent remake by the Farrelly brothers and starring Sean Hayes, Will Sasso and Chris Diamantopoulos reaches new levels of knuckleheaded adventure as the three friends try to make more out of their lives by getting into the comicality industry. As you can well imagine, thinks do not go according to plan. If you want a good old belly laugh you can see this film on 22 August 2012.

3) MIB 3

No list of the top 10 funny movies – 2012 was going to be without the years most anticipated movie. MIB 3 sees Will Smith as Agent J on a mission in the 1960’s to stop an alien assassinating Agent K (Tommy Lee Jones) and changing history. To do this he needs the help of the young Agent K (Josh Brolin) and the task doesn’t go as smoothly as planned, which is tremendously funny as a result. MIB 3 was released in cinemas on 25 May 2012.

2) The Pirates! In an Adventure with Scientists

This family animation movie directed by Peter Lord and Jeff Newitt is as fun for adults as it is for children and has some real laugh out loud moments. The story follows the Pirate Captain (voiced by Hugh Grant) and his crew and merry men (and women) as sets out to achieve his dream of winning the Pirate of the Year Award, beating his bitter rivals in the process. What follows is an adventure full of mishaps. This film is available on DVD and Blu-ray from 10 September 2012.

1) Ted

This first foray into the world of movies by Family Guy creator Seth MacFarlane follows Josh Bennett (Mark Wahlberg) dealing with his cherished childhood teddy bear that has come to life as the result of a wish. The relationship between Josh and Ted is simply riotous.
Please leave your comments below to let us know that what do you think about out list of top 10 best funny movies 2012