Introduction: In China’s futures market, coffee used to be a dangerous variety, which was over 20 years ago.
In the world of bulk trade, in addition to the common varieties such as soybeans, steel, crude oil, and non-ferrous metals, there are also many varieties that are not commonly heard of but have a huge trading volume, such as cocoa, coffee, and so on.
The term ‘coffee’ comes from the Greek word ‘Kaweh’, meaning ‘strength and passion’. Coffee trees are evergreen small trees belonging to the Rubiaceae family. The coffee they drink daily is made by combining coffee beans with various cooking utensils. Coffee beans refer to the kernels inside the coffee tree fruit, which are then roasted using appropriate roasting methods. People around the world are increasingly fond of drinking coffee. The accompanying ‘coffee culture’ fills every moment of life. Whether at home, in the office, or in various social occasions, people are enjoying coffee, which is gradually associated with fashion and modern life.
Coffee trees are native to the plateau region of southwestern Ethiopia in Africa. It is said that more than a thousand years ago, a shepherd discovered that his sheep became very excited and lively after eating a plant, and then discovered coffee. There are also claims that a wildfire accidentally burned down a coffee plantation, and the aroma of grilled coffee caught the attention of surrounding residents.
The local indigenous people often grind the fruit of coffee trees, mix it with animal fat, and knead it to make many spherical balls. These indigenous tribes treat these coffee balls as precious food, exclusively for the soldiers who are about to set out. It was not until around the 11th century that people began using boiled coffee as a beverage.
In the 13th century, the Ethiopian army invaded Yemen and brought coffee to the Arab world. Because Islamic doctrine prohibits believers from drinking alcohol, some religious figures believe that this beverage stimulates the nerves and violates the doctrine. Coffee shops were once banned and closed, but the Egyptian Sultan believed that coffee did not violate the doctrine, so the ban was lifted. Coffee drinks quickly became popular in the Arab region. The word coffee comes from the Arabic word Qahwa, which means “plant drink”, and later spread to Türkiye, becoming the source of the word in European languages. The methods of coffee cultivation and production have also been continuously improved and gradually perfected by the Arabs.
The cultivation and production of coffee in the 17th century were monopolized by the Arabs. At that time, coffee was mainly used in medicine and religion. Doctors and monks recognized that coffee had the effects of refreshing, awakening the brain, strengthening the stomach, strengthening the body, and stopping bleeding; At the beginning of the 15th century, there were documents documenting the use of coffee, which was incorporated into religious rituals during this period and also appeared as a daily beverage in the folk. Due to the strict prohibition of alcohol consumption in Islam, coffee became an important social drink at that time.
In 1570, Türkiye’s army besieged Vienna. When it failed to retreat, someone found a bag of black seeds in the barracks of Türkiye’s army. Nobody knew what it was. A Polish who had lived in Türkiye took the bag of coffee and opened the first coffee shop in Vienna. At the end of the 16th century, coffee began to be widely introduced to Europe through Italy under the name of “Islamic wine”. According to legend, some Catholics at that time believed that coffee was a “devil’s drink” and urged Pope Clement VIII to ban it. However, after tasting it, the Pope believed it could be consumed and blessed coffee, so coffee gradually became popular in Europe.
At first, coffee was expensive in Europe, only nobles could drink coffee, and coffee was even known as the “black gold”. Until 1690, a Dutch captain sailed to Yemen and obtained several coffee seedlings, which were successfully planted in Indonesia. In 1727, the wife of a diplomat from Dutch Guiana gave several coffee seeds to a Spanish man in Brazil, who had successfully planted them in Brazil. The climate in Brazil is very suitable for coffee growth, and since then coffee has rapidly spread in South America. Coffee, which has decreased in price due to mass production, has become an important beverage for Europeans.
In China’s futures market, coffee used to be a dangerous variety, which was over 20 years ago.
At that time, the first time Hainan Coffee caught people’s attention was the bearish trend of the 9605 contract. As early as the beginning of 1996, the main force of bulls began to establish long positions around 2700 yuan, attempting to push short positions. At the beginning of March, the main force of bulls exerted force, and market prices forcibly broke through the consolidation zone, leading to a magnificent upward trend. On May 6th, just two months later, 9605 coffee set a sky high price of 4221 yuan per kilogram. Due to the fact that the 9605 contract is a delivery month variety, the market price has not fallen again after a huge increase. Under the pressure of bulls, speculative bears were unable to shed tears and could only cut their positions at high levels, resulting in heavy losses.
In the bearish market of the 9605 contract, the bullish main force took over about 170000 tons of coffee imported from abroad by some of the short sellers. Later on, 9607 Coffee fluctuated significantly between 3000 yuan and 3400 yuan for two to three months. The original bullish main force suddenly turned bearish, using real market pressure as an excuse to launch a very brutal market crash. The price of the 9607 contract dropped from over 3300 yuan to around 1800 yuan over more than ten trading days. The market trend has shifted from one extreme to another.
The fluctuation range of the coffee market is so large that speculators involved in it can suffer heavy losses if they make a wrong direction judgment, even if the amount of funds invested is small. A bolder speculator with slightly heavier positions, once they go in the wrong direction, often their margin in their account is wiped out within a few days, and they even owe a huge debt to futures brokerage companies.
In the famous book “A Dream in Ten Years”, there was a detailed record of the battle over coffee that year.
But today, poker investors won’t take everyone back to relive the bloody battles of that year. Instead, they want to select 25 representative coffee producing areas from over 50 major coffee producing regions around the world and introduce the local varieties and customs.
Having a cup of coffee during leisure time and admiring the local customs of these magical seeds is also a unique experience.
1、 Costa Rican coffee
Full particles, ideal acidity, unique and intense aroma
Tarrazu in Costa Rica is one of the world’s major coffee producing regions, producing coffee with a light and pure flavor and pleasant aroma. Costa Rica’s volcanic soil is very fertile and has good drainage, making it the first country in Central America to grow coffee and bananas for commercial value. Coffee and bananas are the main export commodities of the country. In 1729, coffee was introduced from Cuba to Costa Rica, and today its coffee industry is one of the most well-organized industries in the world, with a production capacity of up to 1700 kilograms per hectare.
Costa Rica has a population of only 3.5 million, but there are as many as 400 million coffee trees, and coffee exports account for 25% of the country’s total exports. Costa Rica also benefits from the establishment of the Turrialba of the Central American Agricultural Research Institute (IAAC) in Tarasu, which is an important international research center.
High quality Costa Rican coffee is known as’ extra hard beans’, which can grow at altitudes above 1500 meters. Altitude has always been a problem for coffee growers. The higher the altitude, the better the coffee beans. This is not only because higher altitude can increase the acidity of coffee beans and enhance their flavor, but also because the lower night temperature at higher altitude can slow down tree growth and make the flavor of coffee beans more intense.
In addition, due to the high altitude drop, sufficient rainfall is also very beneficial for the growth of coffee trees. However, although there are many advantages to growing coffee in high-altitude areas, additional transportation costs must be taken into account, which may make coffee production unprofitable. The coffee industry in Costa Rica has adopted new technologies to increase efficiency, including the use of “electric eyes” to select beans and identify irregularly sized coffee beans.
Tarasu is located in the southern part of the country’s capital San Jos é and is one of the most important coffee plantations in the country. La Minita Tarrazu’s coffee is a local specialty, but the production quantity is limited, approximately 72600 kilograms per year. It is grown on a piece of land called La Minita, which is owned by the last three generations of the Mc Alpine family in England. In fact, this land can produce over 450 tons of coffee annually. However, the cultivation of Tarasulalamata coffee did not use artificial fertilizers or insecticides. Its harvesting and selection were all done manually to avoid damage to the coffee beans caused by air jet selection methods to some extent.
Other coffees worth mentioning include Juan Vinas (PR), H. Tournon, Windmill (SHB), Montebello, and Ssnta Rosa. Premium coffee generally grows in Geredia and the Central Canyon. Another notable type of coffee is Sarchi coffee (which is one of the five towns representing Costa Rica’s “Coffee Road”), which grows on the slopes of Poas Volcano, 53 kilometers away from San Jose. Sachi Company was founded in 1949, with a land area of 30770 hectares, growing sugarcane and coffee. This region is also famous for its handicrafts, attracting tourists from all over the world.
The coffee industry in the country was originally controlled by the Institutodel Caf é de Costa Rica (ICAFE), but has now been taken over by the Official Coffee Commission (Oficinadel Caf é). In the exported coffee, products that are considered to be of poor quality are colored with blue plant dyes and then returned for domestic sales. The coffee consumed domestically (dyed blue or unstained) accounts for approximately 10% of the total production, and the local per capita coffee consumption is twice that of Italy or the United States.
2、 Cuban coffee
It would be regrettable if this country, which produces cigars, did not have high-quality coffee to match it.
The best coffee in Cuba is Turquino or Extra Turquino. Tukino is a coffee grade rather than a place name, just like Blue Mountain Coffee. This type of coffee has a pure flavor and moderate granules. As it is grown at lower altitudes, its acidity is lower than many coffees grown in Central America.
If not influenced by the political climate, there is no doubt that Cuba will become an important supplier of coffee to the United States and Japan.
3、 Dominican Republic
Delicious, sweet, and full-bodied coffee. The Dominican Republic is adjacent to Haiti and both have the island of Hispaniola. Like its neighbors, the Dominican Republic also had a history of revolution and poverty, but now it has implemented democratic elections and the country is relatively stable.
In the early 18th century, coffee began to be grown in the Dominican Republic, with the best production area being the Barahona region in the southwest. However, Juncalito and Ocoa also produce a premium coffee – Santo Domingo coffee, which is characterized by its fresh and elegant taste, plump granules, excellent acidity, and pleasant aroma, making it worth the money. Unlike coffee produced in Haiti, most of the coffee grown in the Dominican Republic has been washed, which is also a symbol of high quality.
4、 El Salvador
Unique and mild tasting coffee. El Salvador is one of the small countries in Central America with a very dense population. The flavor characteristic of its coffee is excellent balance. Today, this type of coffee accounts for 40% of the country’s export volume. The best quality coffee exports 35% of its extra hard beans to Germany from January to March.
In the early 1990s, guerrilla warfare greatly damaged the country’s national economy, causing coffee production to decline from 3.5 million bags in the early 1970s to 2.5 million bags in 1990-1991. The eastern part of the country was most affected by guerrilla warfare, and many farmers and workers were forced to leave their estates. The shortage of funds has led to a sharp decline in coffee production, from the previous yield of 1200 kilograms per hectare to less than 900 kilograms per hectare today.
In addition, the government imposed an additional 15% tariff on exported coffee in 1986, which is in addition to the existing 30% tax. The combination of taxes and unfavorable exchange rates has led to a significant reduction in coffee exports, resulting in a decrease in quality. The government finally recognized the enormous role of coffee in the national economy, such as solving employment problems, earning foreign exchange, and developing agriculture. Therefore, in 1990, it privatized some of the coffee export industry, hoping to increase the income rate of coffee in the export market.
In Cuscacbapa, El Salvador, packaged coffee beans are about to be exported. Salvadoran coffee is a specialty of Central America, with a light, aromatic, pure, and slightly sour body. Like Guatemala and Costa Rica, coffee in El Salvador is classified according to altitude, with higher altitudes indicating better coffee quality. The best brand is Pipil, which is the Aztec Mayan name for coffee and has been recognized by the Organic Certified Institute of America.
Another rare type of coffee is Pacamara coffee, which is a hybrid of Pacas coffee and Maragogype coffee. The best origin of this coffee is located in western El Salvador, adjacent to Santa Ana, which is close to the border with Guatemala. Parker Mara coffee has plump granules, but the aroma is not too strong.
5、 Guadeloupe
Good coffee production has been affected by natural disasters. These islands in the Caribbean used to be important coffee producing areas. In 1789, over one million coffee trees on 500 hectares of land produced 4000 tons, while today, only 150 hectares of land are used for coffee cultivation. The reason for this decline can be attributed to the increase in sugarcane and banana production, as well as the damage to coffee trees caused by Hurricane Ines in 1996. Political reasons include the land redistribution that took place from 1962 to 1965, which resulted in significant losses in coffee production. Compared to banana and sugarcane cultivation, coffee cultivation requires more labor hours and requires more funding.
Guadeloupe used to be the best coffee producing island, but now it no longer exports coffee. Bonifieur has been designated as the best quality coffee in the area, a name that has been a source of pride in coffee history.
6、 Guatemala
The extra hard coffee beans here are plump, delicious and balanced, and the coffee brewed with them is pure and rich. Guatemalan coffee once enjoyed the reputation of being the best quality coffee in the world, but its quality also declined at one point. However, it is gratifying that its reputation is gradually being restored.
In 1750, Father Jesuit introduced coffee trees to Guatemala, and in the late 19th century, Germany colonized and developed the coffee industry in the area. Today, the majority of coffee production takes place in the southern part of the country. Here, the slopes of Sierra Madre volcano provide ideal conditions for growing high-quality coffee beans, and coffee grown at high altitudes is full of vitality. Compared to other types of coffee, tasters prefer this blended flavored coffee with a spicy flavor.
The extra hard coffee beans here are rare and excellent coffee, with plump particles, delicious taste, and balanced acidity. In addition, its giant coffee beans have also attracted much attention to Guatemala. The coffee industry once made the country prosperous and still dominates the national economy today. Unfortunately, the domestic political situation is not favorable for coffee growers. High output is usually a sign of overall economic prosperity in a country.
However, coffee production in Guatemala has relatively declined, with only 700 kilograms per hectare, while El Salvador’s production is 900 kilograms per hectare, and Costa Rica’s production is even more astonishing, reaching up to 1700 kilograms per hectare. The export trade of Guatemalan coffee is controlled by private companies, but the Asociacion Nacional de Cafe controls other sectors of the coffee industry. Currently, some of Guatemala’s best quality coffee is exported to Japan, where each cup of coffee sells for $3-4. Most small-scale producers are descendants of the Mayans, who like cups and call them locals.
Currently, they are also benefiting from a US funded project, locally known as “The Project,” which plans to invest $2.5 million to encourage the establishment of small-scale high-quality coffee plantations. The main areas in Guatemala that produce high-quality coffee are Lake Atitlan and Huehuetenango.
The purpose of this project is to help overcome the vicious cycle of high yield and low quality that has plagued the world coffee industry. For example, Bourbon trees grow taller than the new dwarf trees and produce fewer coffee beans. Although they both belong to Arabic coffee varieties, Bourbon trees produce better coffee beans and are more popular among foodies. This project also hopes to encourage local producers to process coffee beans themselves, as most coffee fruits are now sold to intermediaries. If coffee processing can be carried out in local factories, its value and even quality may be improved.
Antigua is also a famous coffee producing region. The coffee in Antigua is produced at Hacienda Carmona, where the best quality coffee is EL Pulcal. It is not only of good quality, but also has a richer flavor, richer taste, and stronger tobacco flavor than other coffee in Guatemala. Every 30 years or so, the area near Antigua Island is hit by a volcanic eruption, which provides more nitrogen to the already fertile land, and ample rainfall and sunlight make this place more suitable for growing coffee.
Other coffee producing areas include San Marco, Oriente&Coban, Palcya, Mataquescuintia, and La Uman located in Zacapa. The establishment of the Specialty Coffee Association signifies that the Guatemalan government is beginning to pay attention to high-quality coffee, and the efforts made towards it will soon bear fruit.
7、 Haiti
Despite the well-known problems and fluctuating quality of coffee from politically troubled countries, Haiti still tries to produce some high-quality coffee. Most of the coffee produced in Haiti is grown in a pure natural state, which is not intentional but a result of material shortages. The reason is that farmers are too poor to afford fungicides, insecticides, and fertilizers.
The main coffee growing area in Haiti is in the north of the country. Compared to other countries, Haitian coffee has a wider variety of brands, grades, and types. In Japan, Haitian coffee is blended into Jamaican Blue Mountain coffee to enhance its flavor.
Haitian coffee has plump grains, rich flavor, moderate to low acidity, and a relatively mild taste.
8、 Honduras
Overall, Honduran coffee has a good reputation and is suitable for blending coffee. The coffee in Honduras was introduced from El Salvador. Honduras produces high-quality coffee with high acidity. Like elsewhere, the coffee grade in Honduras is determined by altitude: coffee grown at an altitude of 700-1000 meters is considered medium, coffee grown at an altitude of 1000-1500 meters is considered superior, and coffee grown at an altitude of 1500-2000 meters is considered premium.
After the 1975 Brazil frost, Honduras’ coffee production significantly increased, from 500000 bags to 1.8 million bags within 20 years. Rust is a major threat to coffee in the country, especially in the eastern part where rust is more severe. The use of drug sprays to treat this disease has played a significant role in increasing coffee production.
All coffee in Honduras is shipped and exported by individual transporters, mostly to the United States and Germany.
9、 Jamaica
Is Jamaican Blue Mountain Coffee the best coffee in the world? Almost everyone who has heard of Jamaica Blue Mountain coffee knows that it is the most expensive coffee in the world, but not everyone knows why. Just like Rolls Royce cars and Stradivarius violins, when something gains the reputation of being “the best in the world,” that reputation often makes it unique and becomes an eternal myth.
The best Blue Mountain coffee is undoubtedly one of the best coffees that can be obtained. Although the price can guarantee the supply of Blue Mountain coffee, it cannot guarantee the best flavor of the coffee. It is also worth noting that this coffee tastes more expensive than it looks. To taste its best flavor, more coffee beans must be added than when drinking other types of coffee, otherwise the flavor may not live up to its name. Therefore, the true cost of showcasing flavor lies in adding 10% to 15% more coffee beans than the coffee that is second only to it in price.
It is said that true Blue Mountain coffee is made from the best raw coffee beans in the area, which is exactly where the pleasure of tasting lies. Its flavor is rich, balanced, rich in fruit and sour flavors, which can meet people’s various needs. In addition, the high-quality and fresh Blue Mountain coffee has a particularly long-lasting flavor, as drinkers say – with an endless aftertaste.
It is necessary to carefully understand the myth of Blue Mountain Coffee, as its past image often does not align with today’s reality. In 1725, Sir Nicholas Lawes brought the first batch of Blue Mountain coffee varieties from Martinique to Jamaica and planted them in the St. Andrew area. Today, the St. Andrew region is still one of the three major regions for Blue Mountain coffee, with the other two being the Portland and St. Thomas regions.
Within 8 years, Jamaica exported over 375 tons of pure coffee. In 1932, coffee production reached its peak, with over 15000 tons of coffee harvested. But by 1948, the quality of coffee had declined and Canadian buyers refused to renew contracts. As a result, the Jamaican government established the Coffee Industry Council to save the fate of top coffee. By 1969, the situation had improved as the use of Japanese loans improved production quality, thereby ensuring the market. Even in 1969, Japanese coffee drinkers were willing to pay insurance premiums for this type of coffee, and now, this type of coffee has reached the point of being wildly loved. By 1981, about 1500 hectares of land in Jamaica had been developed for coffee cultivation, followed by investment in the development of another 6000 hectares of coffee fields.
In fact, today’s Blue Mountains region is a small area with only 6000 hectares of planting area, and not all coffee labeled as “Blue Mountains” can be grown there. Another 12000 hectares of land are used to grow two other types of coffee (non Blue Mountain coffee): High Mountain Supreme and Prime Washed Jamaican.
True Blue Mountain coffee is one of the best grown coffees in the world, and Jamaica’s weather, geological structure, and terrain provide a unique and ideal location. The mountain ridge spanning Jamaica extends all the way to the eastern part of the island, with the Blue Mountains reaching over 2100 meters in height. The cool weather, foggy weather, and frequent rainfall make this fertile land harmonious with rainwater. Here, people use a mixed planting method to grow coffee trees, placing them alongside banana trees and avocado trees in terraced fields.
Some small estates also grow Blue Mountain coffee, such as Wallenford Estate, Silver Hill Estate, and J. Martinez’s Atlanta Estate. Even the largest plantation owners in this region, according to international standards, are small-scale planters, many of whom are small landowners whose families have been working on this land for two centuries.
The coffee industry in Jamaica is facing a series of problems, such as the impact of hurricanes, increased labor costs, and difficulty in mechanizing terraced fields. Many small estates and farms find it difficult to carry out rational planting. However, Blue Mountain Coffee is a coffee retailer that values reputation and insists on stocking up on some coffee regardless of the circumstances. A major retailer in the UK said that regardless of the price, he will continue to sell Blue Mountain coffee throughout the year because he has many customers who only recognize ‘Blue Mountain’.
Now, 90% of the harvested Blue Mountain coffee is purchased by Japanese people. In 1992, Jamaica sold 688 tons of Blue Mountain coffee to Japan, 75 tons to the United States, and 59 tons to the United Kingdom. Due to the fact that only 10% of Blue Mountain coffee production can be obtained in other parts of the world, Blue Mountain coffee is always in short supply regardless of price. In the UK, for many years, Langford Brothers was the only supplier. Later, Edmonds Group also received supply from Salda Foods in Jamaica.
The difference between Blue Mountain Coffee and other types of coffee in terms of transportation is that it is transported in wooden barrels with a capacity of 70 kilograms, which is a replica of Bonifier barrels produced in Guadeloupe in the last century. This type of wooden barrel was originally used to load flour shipped from the UK to Jamaica, usually bearing the trade name and manufacturer’s name. The Coffee Industry Council issues certificates for all authentic Jamaican coffee and stamps them with an approval seal before export.
10、 Martinique Island
The Cradle of American Coffee
Martinique is a small island and the birthplace of coffee in Central America, but its coffee production today is very low. The first coffee tree in the Western Hemisphere was brought from France by Gabriel Mathieude Clieu in the early 1820s. DeKlei was a naval officer in Martinique in his early years. He brought back a coffee tree and planted it in Prechear. The first harvest was in 1726. Subsequently, coffee spread from Martinique to Haiti, the Dominican Republic, and Guadeloupe. According to records, there were 18791680 coffee trees in Martinique in 1777.
The coffee trees on Martinique Island bear witness to the history of the growth and destruction of an industry. Today, the island mainly exports bananas, sugarcane, and pineapples.
11、 Mexico
Coffee from the world’s fourth largest coffee producing country, smooth and aromatic. Mexico, the world’s fourth largest coffee producing country, produces approximately 5 million bags of coffee annually. Most of its coffee is produced by nearly 100000 small farmers, and the large estates that once operated the coffee industry are no longer common. The yield of Mexican coffee per hectare is about 630 kilograms.
Later, the Mexican Coffee Association (Instituto Mexicanodel Caf é, abbreviated as Inmecafe) took control of the coffee industry. The Coffee Association controls both coffee cultivation and the market for coffee beans that can be exported starting from November. The association provides farmers with the lowest purchase price, technical advice, and other assistance. But since 1991, the activities of the Coffee Association have decreased, and its functions may further weaken.
The collapse of the Coffee Agreement and the disappearance of price support have actually helped some producers by forcing them to develop their own brands and establish closer connections with foreign markets. The NAFTA agreement between Canada, the United States, and Mexico will further help export Mexican products to North America. Some people believe that the best giant coffee beans are produced in Mexico rather than Guatemala, but the supply and quality of coffee beans in both places may vary. The Maragogype coffee beans have large particles and produce smooth, mellow, and aromatic coffee that is tempting. The poverty of farmers has led to the majority of coffee growing under natural conditions, without the use of pesticides or chemical fertilizers.
The best coffee producing area in Mexico is Chiapas in the southern part of the country, where coffee varieties including Tapanchula and Huixtla are grown. The Oaxaca region also produces high-quality coffee beans, with Pluma Coixtepec coffee beans grown naturally being one of the finest. The Oaxaca region also produces Altura Orizaba coffee and Altura Huatusco coffee. The Altura Coatapec region produces Veracruz coffee. The best giant coffee beans in Mexico are Liquidambar MS coffee beans.
12、 Nicaragua
Excellent Nicaraguan coffee ranks among the top in the world, with a mild and delicious taste, moderate granules, and a very aromatic aroma. In many countries, coffee production is severely affected due to political reasons. The Nicaraguan coffee industry is no exception. The 1979 revolution forced coffee plantation owners to flee to Miami. Subsequently, there was a period of indecision as the government considered reallocating land (including many plantations), which led to a shortage of coffee supply and a decrease in production, from over one million bags in the early 1970s to less than 600000 bags in 1990.
Now the government has opened up the coffee industry, and private owners have control of the market. Superior Nicaraguan coffee is grown in the northern and central parts of the country, with the best coffee produced in Jinotega and Nuevo Segovia in Matagalpa. Superior Nicaraguan coffee belongs to the Central Estrictamte Altura coffee category, with moderate acidity, aromatic taste, and great appeal. Poor quality coffee beans are widely used in blended coffee.
13、 Panama
Highland grown coffee is absolutely high-quality, but plantation coffee has not yet been launched.
Panama coffee is smooth, lightweight, and has a balanced acidity. Its high-quality coffee beans have a pure and distinctive flavor. The first batch of coffee exported every year is shipped in November, and almost all high-quality coffee beans are shipped to France and Finland.
High quality coffee is grown in the northern part of the country, near Costa Rica and the Pacific Ocean. The coffee produced in Boquet district of Chiriqui province is very famous, while other areas include David district, Remacimeito district, Bugaba district, and Tole district.
Caf é Volcan Baru, which has been recognized by critics, is gaining momentum. The coffee has excellent quality, with a production of 2000 bags in 1994, accounting for 1% of the total national production.
14、 Puerto Rico
In 1736, coffee trees were introduced from Martinique to Puerto Rico. Early coffee was mostly grown by Corsica immigrants. By 1896, Puerto Rico’s coffee exports ranked sixth in the world, with the majority of coffee being shipped to France, Italy, Spain, and Cuba. In the 19th century, coffee plantations were once prosperous, but the rise of sugarcane and medicinal cultivation, as well as the impact of hurricanes and wars, caused the coffee industry to lag behind and is currently recovering.
Puerto Rico implements a low wage system, with an average hourly wage of $4.20 per person in 1991. Nevertheless, the income of its manual laborers is still higher than that of workers in many other coffee producing countries, as long as Hawaii and Jamaica are comparable. Another issue facing the coffee industry in Puerto Rico is that in the Caribbean region, Puerto Ricans have relatively high cultural literacy and therefore have better employment prospects.
Yaokete Coffee is only grown on three farms in the southwest of the island nation, with a strong aroma and a long-lasting aftertaste. This coffee has a high selling price and a fragrance comparable to any other coffee variety in the world. In the Yaoco region, this coffee is owned and operated by the local plantation owner. The mountainous area here has a mild climate, with plants having a long maturity period (from October to February of the following year) and high-quality clay soil. Some old varieties of Arabic coffee beans are planted here, although their yield is lower than other varieties, they are generally of high quality.
The people here have always adopted a planting method that protects the ecology and cultivates meticulously, using only low toxicity fertilizers and chemical agents, and adopting mixed crop planting measures to make the soil more fertile. When it comes to picking coffee beans, people walk back and forth between coffee trees, only picking fully ripe coffee beans, and then have to wash them in a drum type device for 48 hours.
Today, Puerto Rico’s gourmet coffee has been exported to the United States, France, and Japan. Coffee in this country is usually carefully grown, with pure taste, aroma, heavy particles, and among them, the finest ones are among the world’s famous brands. The best coffee is Yaoco Selecto, which means “to choose”. Grand Lares Yaoco coffee is produced in the southwest of the island, while Lares coffee is produced in the central southern region.
Yaokete Coffee is only grown on three farms in the southwest of the island nation, with a strong aroma and a long-lasting aftertaste. This coffee has a high selling price and a fragrance comparable to any other coffee variety in the world. In the Yaoco region, this coffee is owned and operated by the local plantation owner. The mountainous area here has a mild climate, with plants having a long maturity period (from October to February of the following year) and high-quality clay soil. Some old varieties of Arabic coffee beans are planted here, although their yield is lower than other varieties, they are generally of high quality.
The people here have always adopted a planting method that protects the ecology and cultivates meticulously, using only low toxicity fertilizers and chemical agents, and adopting mixed crop planting measures to make the soil more fertile. When it comes to picking coffee beans, people walk back and forth between coffee trees, only picking fully ripe coffee beans, and then have to wash them in a drum type device for 48 hours.
Yaokete Coffee beans are always stored with a shell before shipment, and the outer skin is only removed when ordering and shipping to ensure the best freshness of the coffee. When submitting goods, relevant personnel from the US government, such as FDA and USEA, will also be present to monitor whether producers comply with federal regulations. There are also staff members from local appraisal committees who take 1 bag out of every 50 bags as a sample and use international measuring instruments for quality assessment.
Jaime Fortu ń o, the president of Escogido Yauco’s agency, silently pays attention to all of this work every year, even the smallest details. Fortuna is an investment banker who graduated from Harvard Business School. He was determined to seize every opportunity to open up a top coffee market in Puerto Rico. He expects a maximum annual production of 3000 bags, each weighing 45 kilograms, which is less than 1% of the total coffee production on the island.
Yaoketxuan is a fascinating coffee that has a perfect flavor, no bitterness, is rich in nutrients, and has a strong fruity flavor, making it worth savoring. Even Taylors in Harrogate, UK, once imported 50 bags of Yaoco Select coffee.
15、 Bolivia
In the past, coffee trees in Bolivia were often planted around gardens as hedges, serving as decorative flowers and plants. Real commercial production only began in the early 1950s. The Great Frost of 1957 severely damaged Brazil’s coffee industry, while Bolivia benefited from it and rapidly developed. Bolivian coffee is grown at an altitude of 180-670 meters, and the Arab washed coffee beans are exported to Germany and Sweden. However, their taste is not the best today and has a slight bitterness.
16、 Brazil
Low acidity, moderately roasted coffee beans from the World Coffee Center
Brazil is metaphorically referred to as the “giant” and “monarch” of the coffee world. There are approximately 3.97 billion coffee trees there, and small farmers now grow 75% of the country’s total coffee production. The number of people engaged in coffee production in Brazil is twice or even three times that of Colombia, which is the second largest coffee producing country in the world.
Unlike before, Brazil’s economy now relies less on coffee, which accounts for only 8% to 10% of its gross domestic product. Before World War II, Brazil’s total coffee production accounted for 50% or even more of the world’s total, and now it is close to 30%. However, the country’s impact on coffee worldwide, especially on coffee prices, is crucial. For example, the two frosts in 1994 caused a global surge in coffee prices. Since the introduction of coffee trees from French Guiana in 1720, coffee production has gradually become a science.
Before 1990, the Brazilian government strictly monitored the coffee industry, with both strict intervention and price protection measures. Moreover, the country had been implementing minimum price protection measures for farmers, resulting in overproduction of coffee. Before World War II, there were as many as 78 million bags of inventory left, which had to be destroyed by fire or thrown into water. Since 1990, the free market has been open, and the former “Brazilian Coffee Authority” (IBC) has been replaced by the non investment administrative agency of the country – the National Economic Association, which adheres to a non-interference policy and allows producers and exporters to negotiate directly. The business activities of exporters are supervised by government legislation, and relevant departments register legitimate exporters.
Due to the wide variety of coffee types in Brazil, the term ‘Brazilian coffee’ cannot be used to encompass them all. Like other Arabic coffees, Brazilian coffee is known as “Brazils” to distinguish it from “Milds” coffee. The vast majority of Brazilian coffee is unwashed and sun dried, classified according to the state of origin and shipping port. Brazil has 21 states, 17 of which produce coffee, but among them, 4 states have the highest production, accounting for 98% of the country’s total production. They are Parana, Sao Paulo, Minas Gerais, and Espirito Santo. The southern state of Parana has the most astonishing production, accounting for 50% of the total production.
Although coffee has diversity, Brazilian coffee is suitable for the taste of the general public. For example, coffee produced in the northern coastal areas has a typical iodine flavor, which reminds people of the sea after drinking. This type of coffee is exported to North America, the Middle East, and Eastern Europe.
Another type of coffee that is quite interesting and worth pursuing is washed Bahia coffee. This type of coffee is not easy to find because Brazil is the world’s largest coffee consumer after the United States, and many good coffees can only be found in its domestic market.
In Brazil, the largest producer is Roberti coffee. This type of coffee is sold in supermarkets. Brazilian Roberti coffee is sold under the name Conillon, accounting for 15% of the total production.
Ancient Bourbon coffee is grown in some estates in the Cerrado district of Minas Greais state in southeastern Brazil. These estates, such as Capin Branco and Vista Allegre, also sell their old Bourbon coffee varieties in the market. Although they come from the same region, these coffees have their own unique characteristics. Kapin Blanco coffee has a smoother taste than Vista Alegel coffee, while Vista Alegel coffee is strong and black, with lower acidity in both. However, like all Brazilian coffees, they are best consumed when they are tender, as the older they are, the stronger the acidity. These coffee growers have organized themselves into the Specialty Coffee Association of Brazil.
17、 Ecuador
It may be the highest altitude Arab coffee growing country in the world.
The Arabic coffee tree was first introduced to Ecuador in 1952, and its coffee quality is excellent, especially the coffee harvested in early June. Ecuadorian coffee beans can be divided into two varieties: Galapagos and Gigante, both of which have the characteristics of large particles and heavy portions. Euguar coffee can be divided into two types based on quality: No.1 and Extra Superior. They are mainly exported to Nordic countries in the Scandinavian Peninsula.
The main problem faced by coffee producers is striving to maintain stable quality. Overall, the coffee in this area has a well-balanced and refreshing taste, as well as a unique aroma.
Ecuador is one of the few countries in South America that produces both Arabica coffee and Roberti coffee. However, due to the decreasing availability of land suitable for the growth of Arabica coffee trees, the yield of Robertia coffee is gradually increasing. The best Arabic coffee is produced in the Andes Mountains, especially in the Chanchamgo Valley. The Andes Mountains are divided into two mountain ranges, extending from south to north and reaching central Ecuador
18、 Colombia
The world’s largest producer of high-quality coffee!
Traditional deep roasted coffee has a strong and nostalgic taste.
In 1808, coffee was first introduced to Colombia by a priest who brought it from the French Antilles to Venezuela. Today, the country is the second largest producer after Brazil, with an annual output of 13 million bags, each weighing 60 kilograms, while Brazil’s production is 22 million bags. The position of coffee in Colombia can be seen from the following examples – all vehicles entering the country must be disinfected with spray to avoid unintentional disease and damage to coffee trees.
Colombian coffee is one of the few authentic coffees sold under the name of a country in the world. In terms of quality, it has received praise that other coffees cannot match. The country is the world’s largest exporter of Arabic coffee beans, but Roberti coffee is rarely grown. It is also the world’s largest exporter of washed beans. Compared to other producing countries, Colombia is more concerned with developing products and promoting production. It is precisely this, coupled with its superior geographical and climatic conditions, that makes Colombian coffee of excellent quality and delicious taste, renowned worldwide.
The coffee production area of the country is located at the foot of the Andes mountain, where the climate is mild and the air is humid. Colombia has three Cordilleras mountain ranges (sub ranges) running north-south, extending directly into the Andes Mountains. Coffee is grown along the highlands of these mountains. The mountain terraces provide a diverse climate, which means that the harvest season lasts throughout the year, with different types of coffee maturing at different times. And luckily, unlike Brazil, Colombia doesn’t have to worry about frost damage. Colombia has approximately 2.7 billion coffee trees, of which 66% are planted in modern planting methods within plantations, while the rest are grown on traditional small-scale farms.
In the early 1960s, coffee production was about 600 kilograms per hectare, but now it has increased to around 900 kilograms, and some farms can reach 2500 kilograms. However, ensuring quality is the primary issue in the coffee industry. Colombia established the Federacion Nacional de Cafeteros (FNC) in 1927, responsible for quality supervision.
Although the association is a private company, it acts on behalf of the government. In addition to organizing the industry, the association is also responsible for raising funds during harvest years. In the past few years, coffee prices have tended to decline, and the association has almost exhausted its financial reserves. The National Coffee Management Association also shoulders responsibilities such as healthcare, education, road construction, hiring planting technicians, conducting investigations, supervising product quality, directly handling 50% of the total export volume, and hiring marketing personnel. Like Kenya’s National Coffee Management Association, it is a model coffee organization.
Colombian coffee farmers can sell all their products to the Coffee Management Association at official low prices, or to exporters who may offer higher prices or not bid at all. In fact, the Coffee Management Association (FNC) controls exports to Europe, while coffee exports to the United States are mainly conducted through private exporters. However, all exports are subject to the minimum export price.
Colombia is fortunate to have both Atlantic and Pacific ports, which helps to reduce the transportation costs of coffee. In South America, it is the only country that meets these conditions. The main production areas in Colombia are located in the central and eastern mountain ranges. The most important plantations distributed along the central mountain range are located in the Medellin, Armenia, and Manizales regions. Among the three regions mentioned above, the coffee quality in the Medellin region is the best, and the selling price is also high. Its characteristics are: full grains, rich nutrition, strong aroma, and moderate acidity.
These three regions are collectively referred to as MAM (the first letter of the names of the main cities in the three regions). Most of the top Colombian coffee for export comes from MAM. Along the eastern mountain range, the two best areas are around Bogota and further north around Bucaramanga. Bogota coffee has lower acidity than Medellin coffee, but the quality of both is comparable.
Germany’s imports account for 25% of Colombia’s total exports, which also reflects the country’s excellent quality from one aspect. Coffee grades are divided into three levels: Supreme, Excelso, and Unusual Good Quality. Among the excellent grades, Klaus coffee is exported to Germany, while Europa coffee is exported to Nordic countries. In most coffee shops, you can buy high-quality coffee and top-notch coffee.
The difference in professional regulations between the two is that top-level coffee uses larger coffee beans, and its raw materials are taken from newly harvested coffee beans, which makes it easier to ensure the quality of the product. Excellent grade coffee usually has a softer taste and slightly higher acidity than top grade coffee, but both are aromatic coffee with moderate granules and excellent fruit. Colombian coffee is often described as having a silky smooth texture, with the best balance among all coffees. It has a soft and smooth taste and can be consumed anytime.
The thorny issue faced by Colombian coffee growers is whether to replace Bourbon coffee trees with fast-growing and high-yielding Arabica coffee trees. Some people say that the quality may not be as good as before, but others say that in the most suitable places for coffee growth, the difference in quality will not be too significant.
19、 Peru
High quality and balanced coffee can be used for mixed drinks.
Peru is also a major producer of coffee. Up to 98% of Peruvian coffee is grown in forest areas, with the majority of producers being small-scale farmers.
Peru has good economic conditions and a stable political situation, which ensures the excellent quality of coffee. However, there are many local problems. In addition to guerrilla warfare and drug trafficking, the cholera outbreak along the coast in the mid-1990s further caused economic depression, and even worse, the annual inflation rate reached 7000%.
In the mid-1970s, Peru’s annual coffee production was about 900000 bags, and later steadily increased to around 1.3 million bags per year. Although private exporters purchase coffee from remote areas through intermediaries, the main market is still monopolized by the government. Later, the private Peruvian Coffee Exporters Association
Comerade Exportadores Caf é del Peru has been established, dedicated to improving the quality of coffee. Its primary task is to establish standards, eliminate inferior products, and create a culture of quality first. This positive move heralds a bright future for the coffee industry. Afterwards, due to the increase in prices, farmers were encouraged to actively plant coffee instead of the traditional economic crop in the region – cocoa.
The highest quality coffee in Peru is produced in Chanchmayo, Cuzco, Norte, and Puno. Most Peruvian coffee is grown under natural conditions, but it is also difficult to confirm the planting status of all coffee trees. The price of coffee grown under natural conditions is 10% to 20% higher than others. From the perspective of poverty, farmers are also likely to have no money to buy fertilizers and pesticides, but it is indeed difficult to confirm all coffee.
The quality of Peruvian coffee is comparable to any type of coffee in Central or South America. The high-quality coffee produced in Peru is transported to Germany for mixing, and then shipped to Japan and the United States, which also demonstrates its high standards of quality.
20、 Galapagos Islands
Coffee treasures from the hometown of giant turtles
This coffee delicacy is of excellent quality and is grown without the use of any chemical agents.
Coffee is grown in Saint Crist ó bal. San Cristobal is a larger island in the Galapagos Islands and the only island in the archipelago with abundant freshwater. At an altitude of 410 meters on the island, there is a small lake called El Junco. The lake water forms several streams that flow along the rocks and volcanic rocks on the southern slope of the island. The mineral rich freshwater nourishes the land of San Cristobal, keeping the soil moist and fertile forever.
In 1875, Ma ň uel J. Cobos, a native of Ecuador, planted approximately 100 hectares of Arabian Bourbon coffee trees in the Hacienda El Cafetal coffee plantation in San Cristobal. The altitude of the plantation is between 140-275 meters, and the climate in this area is equivalent to the climate between 910-1830 meters inland. This gradient terrain is very suitable for the growth of high acidity, particularly hard coffee beans (SHB), and is also the key to high-quality coffee.
Due to the global coffee industry moving towards a targeted mass production model, small and unreliable coffee industries like San Crist ó bal are facing difficulties and may ultimately be unprofitable and forced to give up.
However, in the early 1990s, the Gonzalez family bought the Hassenda coffee plantation. The local microclimate caused by the Humboldt Current, strong equatorial sunlight, and rapid temperature changes (sea level temperature of 43 ℃ and temperature range of 10-16 ℃ at an altitude of 275 meters) provided unique favorable conditions, prompting the Gonzalez family to expand coffee plantations.
Afterwards, through the cultivation of early land, the area of the coffee plantation doubled again. Due to the unique role of the Galapagos Islands in the historical process, the Ecuadorian government has designated the islands as a national park, no longer allowing land to be developed for new agricultural purposes, and strictly prohibiting the introduction and use of fertilizers, insecticides, herbicides, and other chemical agents. Therefore, coffee from the Galapagos Islands is recognized as a natural product.
21、 Venezuela
The highly distinctive estate coffee comes from this oil-rich country.
Oil was once considered Venezuela’s main export product. Although coffee trees were introduced from Martinique Island to Venezuela as early as 1730, coffee production was almost abandoned during the peak of the oil industry. Recently, coffee plantations have begun to recover, with the previously planted Tipica and Bourbon coffee trees, as well as newly established plantations, laying the foundation for coffee exports. Currently, most of Venezuela’s coffee is exported to Russia and Colombia, where it is repackaged. Many newly rebuilt small plantations have also started exporting coffee on their own.
The coffee industry is not particularly prominent among many industries in the country. The best coffee producing region in Venezuela is Tachira state located in the southwest. However, the name Tachira has been indiscriminately used for coffee beans across the country.
The best coffee brands in Venezuela include Montebello from San Crist ó bal de Tachira, Miramar from Rubio de Tachira, Granija from Timotede Merida, and Ala Granija from Santa Anna de Tachira in Tachira. Other high-quality brands include Maracaibos (the name of the coffee export port), Merida, Trujillo, Santa Filomena, and Cucuta.
One of the many plantations in Merida, located at the foot of the Andes Mountains, belongs to the Pablo and Luisa Helena Pulido families. It is an ancient farm that has been allowed to downsize. Since taking over the farm in the early 1980s, the Prido family has been harvesting coffee from the existing Bourbon coffee trees while planting new tree species to expand their family’s farm.
The surrounding areas of Caracas were also famous for coffee, but production has now resumed. Also, Jean and Andres from the Turgua region? Andres Boulton Plantation also grows Tipika coffee trees.
The coffee taste in Venezuela is different from other coffee in Latin America. It is delicious, light, and less sour than traditional coffee, which makes it not only suitable for mixing but also unique.
22、 Suriname
An important name in the history of coffee
Suriname was the first country in South America to cultivate coffee, and Norway was once a major importer of coffee products in the country. However, nowadays the country’s production is very low, and it is only mentioned here due to historical reasons.
The Dutch, who had settled in Suriname in 1667, introduced coffee trees from Java in the early 18th century. The first batch of coffee trees were gifted by the mayor of Asmstadt to a Flemish pirate named Hansback. More precisely, these coffee trees were planted in the Dutch Guiana region at that time, and a few years later, they were widely planted in the neighboring French Guiana region. At that time, there was a French criminal named Mourgues who was promised amnesty and the right to freely enter and leave France if coffee trees were introduced into French colonies. Naturally, he fulfilled his promise.
23、 Angola
Once a major coffee producing country, the future is uncertain now
In the mid-1970s, Angola exported 3.5 million bags of coffee annually, of which 98% were Roberti coffee (which may be the best Roberti coffee in Africa), but the total production dropped to 200000 bags in 1990.
The best brands in Angola before were Ambriz, Amborm, and NovoRedondo, all known for their consistent quality. Most of Angola’s coffee is exported to the United States, the Netherlands, and of course, Portugal.
24、 Burundi
Coffee with strong aroma and soft taste from war-torn areas
Burundi has the most diverse and successful coffee industry in the world with its own characteristics. Coffee in the country was introduced by Belgian colonizers in 1930 and is now only grown on small farms. Unfortunately, many of these farms are located in the border areas with war-torn Rwanda, which puts pressure on coffee production. Almost all coffee produced in Burundi is Arabian coffee beans, while coffee trees in Ngozi are planted at an altitude of more than 1200 meters. Burundi’s coffee has a strong aroma and excellent acidity. Most of its products are exported to the United States, Germany, Finland and Japan.
25、 Cameroon
Deep roasted coffee beans suitable for making distilled coffee
The cultivation of Arabica coffee trees in Cameroon began in 1913, and its variety is Jamaica’s Blue Mountain coffee, but the country also produces a large amount of Roberti coffee. The quality and characteristics of Cameroonian coffee are comparable to those of coffee produced in South America. The best coffee in the country comes from Bamileke and Bamoun in the northwest. Here, it also grows some giant coffee beans and bean shaped berry coffee.
Starting from the late 1980s, coffee production in Cameroon began to decline. Roberti coffee production decreased from 1.8 million bags in 1987 to 1.1 million bags in 1990, while Arabica coffee production decreased from 400000 bags to 200000 bags during the same period. Now, due to the strengthening of management by the National Coffee Supervisory Agency, it may lead to a rebound in coffee production and quality.