The origins of coffee
At Shooga Coffee, we’re not just passionate about roasting beans—we’re obsessed with the journey behind every cup. We believe that knowing where your coffee comes from adds depth to every sip and connects us all to something a little bigger.
Hopefully this blog is our way of sharing that love with you: facts about your favourite brew, and a peek into the cultures and places that make coffee so much more than just a drink.
Where it all started
Coffee is a globe-trotting legend packed with rich history, vibrant cultures, and down-to-earth farming roots. So grab your favourite mug and let’s embark on a caffeinated journey to uncover where coffee comes from, how it made its way around the world, and which countries are behind the beans we can’t live without.
Coffee sparked its global journey in the lush highlands of Ethiopia—with some very energetic goats.
Legend has it, a goat herder named Kaldi noticed his flock dancing with unusual energy after nibbling on bright red berries from a mysterious tree. Curious, he tried them himself—and the buzz was real. These were coffee cherries, and they were about to take the world by storm.
By the 15th century, coffee was keeping Sufi monks awake through long hours of prayer in Yemen. From there, it spread across the Arabian Peninsula, becoming a sensation in Mecca and beyond. Coffeehouses—known as qahveh khaneh—sprouted up across the Islamic world, buzzing with conversation, music, and debate.
Of course, not everyone was immediately on board. In the Ottoman Empire, coffee stirred some controversy over whether it was halal. But resistance was short-lived—coffee won hearts, minds, and taste buds.
Coffee Spreads Around the World
1500s, the beans sailed into Europe via Venetian trade routes.
1600s, the rise of Coffee houses in Western Europe- establishments that quickly became the social and intellectual hotspots of their day particularly in London, Paris, Amsterdam, and beyond.
1720, Into the New World-French naval officer Gabriel de Clieu played a starring role by transporting some precious coffee seedlings to the Caribbean island of Martinique. These trees eventually spread to Saint-Domingue (modern-day Haiti), Mexico, and beyond. By 1788, Saint-Domingue supplied half of the world's coffee.
1852 Brazil planted its flag as the world’s top coffee producer—and it hasn’t looked back since. The country's vast plantations and favorable climate have solidified its position in the global coffee market.
Today- A global phenomenon- the coffee map has expanded even more. Vietnam, Colombia, Ethiopia, and Indonesia have all stepped into the spotlight, growing the beans that fuel millions of cups every day.
Where the Magic Happens
Meet the Coffee Belt—a cozy, sunny strip hugging the Earth’s equator like a warm caffeinated hug. Stretching from the Tropic of Cancer down to the Tropic of Capricorn, this “Bean Belt” is where coffee dreams come true.
This sweet spot covers parts of: Latin America, Africa and Southeast Asia
Why here? Because the Coffee Belt offers the perfect combo of altitude, rainfall, soil, and temperature—the ultimate recipe for growing those beloved Arabica and Robusta beans.
Top 10 Coffee-Producing Countries (2024)
Based on the latest data, here are the top coffee-producing countries and their annual production volumes: Source: U.S. Department of Agriculture, 2024.
Each coffee-growing region offers distinct characteristics influenced by climate, altitude, and cultivation methods:
Africa
Image by Niels Van Iperen © 2017. licence
Countries: Ethiopia, Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania
Flavour Notes: Syrupy, medium acidity, often medium to dark roast
Why It's Special: Ethiopian coffee is known for its bright, floral notes. Many beans are grown wild or semi-wild in forests and offer incredible variety.
Latin America
Image by Fernando Rebêlo © 2004. licence
Countries: Brazil, Colombia, Guatemala, Peru, Costa Rica, Honduras
Flavour Notes: Nutty, low acidity, often light to medium roast
Why It’s Popular: Latin American coffee is renowned for its smooth, balanced flavour. It forms the backbone of many blends found in supermarkets and cafés.
Asia
Image by Jorge Lascar © 2013. licence
Countries: Vietnam, Indonesia, India
Flavour Notes: Earthy, gentle acidity, complex and bold
Unique Appeal: Asian coffee offers a diverse and robust profile, perfect for those who enjoy bold and unique brews.
Thanks for joining us on this journey—here’s to good coffee and great curiosity.
The Shooga Team
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