Born in the ancient forests of Ethiopia, traveling to the busy Arabian Peninsula, reaching Europe, and arriving in the Americas, coffee has marked numerous and diverse cultures in its path. However, few countries stand out as much as Colombia for their coffee culture. Nowadays coffee is one of the most important export products of the country, a great pillar of its economy, and an icon of its hard-working and resilient people. Today more than half a million Colombian families depend on the coffee industry across various regions of the country and in a year more than 12 million bags of coffee are produced. But how did such a close relationship develop with this product that today reaches every corner of the world?
The history of coffee in Colombia is enchanting and unique. The intertwining of perfect climatic conditions and a precise soil for growing coffee, together with the hard-working values of the Colombian people, resulted in the production of the best coffee in the world, preferred for its smoothness, mild acidity, and medium body with citrusy, caramel, and fruity aromas. But where exactly does Colombian coffee come from? Dive into this fascinating adventure with us!
The arrival of coffee to what are now Colombian lands is marked by mysticism that mixes facts and legends. The most accepted version occurred around 1730 when the coffee bean arrived at the hand of Jesuit priests who had made contact with a traveler coming from the Guianas through Venezuela. The first testimonies give evidence of the presence of coffee in Orinoquía, Santander, and Boyacá.
It was not until 1835 that coffee began to be cultivated commercially. Initially, its cultivation expanded through the regions of Santander, Cundinamarca, and Antioquia. It is said that the priest Francisco Romero used to impose the planting of coffee plants as a penance after confession, which gave rise to the expansion of coffee farming.
Coffee positioned itself as an export product in Colombia in the second half of the XIX century and was strengthened in the 90s thanks to the expansion of the world economy that took place during this period. At that time, production was carried out by the large Colombian landowners in the eastern part of the country. During the second half of the 19th century, production increased to such an extent that it went from producing 60,000 bags to more than 600,000, becoming Colombia’s main export product.
The beginning of the 20th century brought with it a transformation in the coffee industry that had been developed so far in the country. With the fall of the world markets and the outbreak of the Thousand Days’ War, an internal crisis arose that left the large coffee growers bankrupt, impeding the adequate care of the plantations and leaving their owners with high debts abroad.
However, as is characteristic of the Colombian people, they managed to turn this difficult situation into an opportunity for the benefit of all. With the collapse of the large coffee farms, a new form of coffee economy emerged, led by the owners of small plots of land. From there, a peasant economy was born in which rural families were (and still are) at the forefront of cultivating the country’s most iconic product.
In 1927, the National Federation of Coffee Growers was created by coffee growers from different regions of the country that sought to protect their rights and negotiate fair prices for the worldwide sale of their coffee. A little more than a decade later, in 1938, the National Coffee Research Center was created, where scientific research is still carried out to improve and guarantee the quality of coffee, strengthen the beans against plagues and diseases, and develop sustainable and competitive coffee technology. This demonstrates the commitment to always deliver the best product and take care of the planet at the same time.
In 1959, the charismatic character Juan Valdez was created, who represents the more than 500,000 traditional Colombian coffee growers and their families, accompanied by the noble mule Conchita. He has been played by three actors throughout the years, giving life and voice to such an emblematic character and taking his magic to all continents. Today its logo is a guarantee of products that comply with the seal of 100% Colombian Coffee. Likewise, since 2002 it has become one of the most successful coffee franchises in the region, with 445 stores in 13 countries. He has also taken the authentic Colombian flavor to more than 30 countries thanks to its more than 9,000 points of sale worldwide.
Colombians are very proud of their coffee and for good reason. It is not only the soil and climate that have allowed the world’s most popular coffee to flourish, but its success is also thanks to the incredible coffee farmers. The coffee-growing families give their hearts to each coffee bean. Behind every cup of coffee is a wonderful story of passion and magic.
And now that you know the story, you too can be part of it. What better way to dive into Colombian coffee culture than by visiting an authentic coffee farm? With our incredible Coffee Tour, you’ll be able to learn firsthand about the arduous and loving process that goes into creating a cup of coffee. You will also be able to taste delicious coffee while supporting local farmers. Join us to continue this noble tradition and enjoy the smoothest and most delicious coffee in the world.
