Eighteen arabica coffee introductions from the USDA germplasm collection were planted at 23° S latitude in Brazil from 1977 to 1982 to assess their yield potential and frost hardiness, compared with the cultivar Catuai Amarelo which is extensively planted in Brazil. Nine of the introductions had similar yields to Catuai Amarelo. Erecta T966 and Harrar yielded as well as Catuai Amarelo and were also more frost hardy. Tall, early maturing coffee varieties showed the least frost injury.