Coffee has been a global hit for centuries, often quoted as the most popular beverage after water. From fancy cafes to cosy home brews, people love their java. The coffee market is huge, with estimates putting the combined home drinking and commercial coffee market to be worth US$461.20bn in 2024 alone, with its growth showing no signs of slowing down anytime soon. But Where do coffee beans come from? Whether you are a dedicated connoisseur of your home-brewed single-origin beans or a coffee shop enthusiast, pull up a chair and dwell over a cup of joe while we explore the origins and geography of the world’s favourite bean*.
*Coffee is not actually a bean, but instead the stone from a type of cherry.
Where do coffee beans come from: a history lesson
The exact origin of coffee is a matter of debate and has been for centuries, but it's widely believed to have originated in the highlands of Ethiopia. Legend has it that a goat herder named Kaldi noticed that his goats were more energetic after eating the berries of a certain tree. He shared his discovery with a nearby monastery, and the rest, as they say, is history.
From its humble origins in Ethiopia, how coffee went on to become a global phenomenon is a fascinating story. Initially cultivated and consumed in the Arabian Peninsula, coffee was spread to other parts of the world by Arabian traders. The Ottoman Empire controlled a large part of the Middle East and North Africa and played a crucial role in introducing coffee to Europe in 1526 when they invaded Hungary. Coffee houses began to appear in major European cities by the 1600s, becoming popular social hubs and intellectual centres.
European colonists then went on to share their coffee plants with their colonies in the Americas, Africa, and Asia, which happened to have the ideal climate and soil conditions for cultivation. Coffee quickly became a valuable commodity, contributing significantly to the economies of many colonial powers. As time went on, advances in transportation and shipping technology facilitated the global spread of coffee, making it easier to transport beans across long distances.
Coffee's popularity grew rapidly throughout Europe and beyond, becoming a social and cultural phenomenon. Coffee houses served as places for socialising, intellectual discourse, and business transactions. Even the trade itself helped foster new ways of living: the cultural exchange fostered by trade and exploration, along with the economic benefits associated with coffee production and trade, contributed to its widespread adoption.
The explosion in espresso-based drinks comes from the Second World War and troops stationed in Italy. Even the most popular espresso-based drink: the americano, has its own story: the American soldiers couldn’t stomach the strength and acidity of traditional Italian coffee, so asked for it to be watered down. The Italians, whether in jest or for ease of ordering, named it the Americano in their honour. When they returned home, the soldiers missed the punch of the Italian coffee and espresso bars became a common feature on the high streets of the UK and USA by the early 1950s. Add in Starbucks and Frasier and the 2nd and 3rd wave coffee movement and you can see why coffee is now a way of life for most of the population.
Coffee’s impact on society
There is no denying that coffee plays a major part in our social and working lives, and while cafe culture may seem like a distinctly modern concept, the consumption of caffeine has been influencing us for longer and in more ways than we could possibly have imagined:
Social Gatherings: Coffee houses have long been popular spots for socialising and networking. They provide a comfortable and relaxed environment where people can connect with friends, family, and colleagues.
Religious Rituals: In some cultures, coffee consumption is intertwined with religious practices. For example, in Islamic countries, coffee is often served in mosques after prayers.
Intellectual Pursuits: Coffee has long been associated with intellectual activity, not least because of its effect on our productivity and focus. Many famous thinkers and writers have been known to frequent coffee houses, where they could exchange ideas and engage in stimulating conversations, or as a place to work outside of the home.
Coffee has played a significant role in shaping cultures and traditions all around the world. In many countries, coffee houses replaced the earlier chocolate houses and have served as important meeting places for artists, writers, and philosophers, Coffee shops, and thus the drinking of coffee, has been even been credited with helping to create what would become the stock exchange in London.
Top Coffee-Producing Countries
Today, coffee is grown in regions around the world known as the "coffee belt," which spans across South America, Africa, and Asia. Some of the top coffee-producing countries include:
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Brazil: As the world's largest coffee producer, Brazil accounts for a significant portion of the global coffee supply.
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Vietnam: Vietnam has rapidly become a major player in the coffee market, particularly in the production of robusta beans.
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Colombia: Colombia is renowned for its high-quality arabica beans, which are prized for their smooth flavour and aroma.
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Indonesia: Indonesia is another major producer of robusta beans, with Sumatra Mandheling being one of its most famous varieties.
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Ethiopia: The birthplace of coffee, Ethiopia continues to produce some of the world's finest arabica beans.
While these countries are among the largest producers, there are many other regions around the world that are known for their exceptional coffee, even if on a much smaller scale. In fact, it is the tiny spaces in which the beans are grown that have led to their rarity being revered among coffee lovers. Some notable examples include:
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Central America: Countries like Guatemala, Costa Rica, Honduras, and Nicaragua produce high-quality arabica beans with unique flavour profiles.
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Africa: In addition to Ethiopia, Kenya, Rwanda, and Uganda are also significant coffee-producing countries in Africa.
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Southeast Asia: Indonesia is not the only Southeast Asian country with a thriving coffee industry. The Philippines, Vietnam, and Laos also produce coffee beans.
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South America: Besides Brazil, Colombia, and the well-known Peruvian Tunki, other South American countries like Ecuador, Bolivia, and Argentina also cultivate coffee.
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Unique Islands: Islands such as Jamaica, The Dominican Republic and Hawaii are known for their high-quality arabica beans, which often have fruity or floral notes. Considered to be some of the best coffee in the world, it is a shame that the locations that create such coffee are so small.
Each region has its own distinct characteristics, influenced by factors such as altitude, climate, soil, and processing methods. This diversity contributes to the wide range of flavours and aromas found in coffee beans from around the world. We’ve got a wonderfully in-depth blog post that explores the locations of Where Coffee is Grown, in the form of a global tour.
The Coffee Bean Journey
Coffee beans are typically grown on plantations - from a single family-run plot to huge complexes that employ hundreds of workers - where they are harvested by hand or machine. After harvesting the coffee beans they go through a process to remove the pulp and parchment. This process can vary depending on the method used. The three most common methods include:
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Natural Process: In this method, the coffee cherries are dried whole, with the pulp and skin still attached. This can result in a fruity, complex flavour.
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Washed Process: In this method, the coffee cherries are pulped and fermented before being washed and dried. This typically results in a cleaner, brighter flavour.
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Honey Process: This method falls somewhere between the natural and washed processes. The coffee cherries are pulped, but some of the mucilage (a sticky substance) is left on the beans before drying. This can create a sweeter, more syrupy flavour. The honey process can be further divided into different categories(black, red, yellow or white) based on the amount of mucilage left on the beans.
The choice of processing method can significantly impact the flavour profile of the coffee beans. Experimenting with different methods can help you discover your preferred taste.
The Importance of Knowing Coffee Origins
The boom in single origin coffee is about more than taste profiles, it is about a growing consumer concern for how their beans are grown and by whom. Knowing the origin of your coffee can provide valuable insights into its flavour profile, quality, and sustainability. Different regions produce coffee with unique characteristics, influenced by factors such as altitude, climate, soil, and processing methods. For example, coffee beans grown at higher altitudes tend to have a more intense flavour, while those grown in cooler climates may have a brighter acidity.
The Coffee Market: A Growing Industry
The global coffee market has experienced significant growth in recent years, driven by factors such as increasing urbanisation, rising disposable incomes, and changing consumer preferences. Consumers are becoming more discerning about the coffee they drink, seeking out specialty coffees, single-origin beans, and sustainable options, working in tandem with a rise in alternative milk options in their coffees for both ethical and health-based reasons. But it is also an industry that is at great risk to the effects of climate change. We've got a blog post all about how global warming is impacting the coffee world.
This growing demand has led to a proliferation of coffee shops, roasters, and online retailers. The coffee world has also witnessed a surge in innovation: From the Aeropress to the Swiss Water Decaffeination Process, the industry is full of inventiveness, creativity and really high-quality products, with new brewing methods, drink types, equipment, and flavours being introduced all the time.
So, where do coffee beans come from? The journey of coffee, from its humble goat-based origins in Ethiopia to its global dominance today and onwards, is a true testament to its enduring appeal. By having an understanding of the origins of what is in your coffee cup, you can only appreciate what goes on to create its unique flavour and quality all the more.
Has all of this talk of the origins of coffee got you hankering for a good brew? We’ve got you. Pop on over to our best sellers page for the latest and greatest coffee beans available in the UK, all freshly roasted and hastily shipped to you by our small, family-run roastery in Kent. Need help choosing a bean type? Maybe the team sharing their favourites will help.