Coffee is a real cornerstone of the Colombian economy. For centuries, it has been ingrained in the culture, folklore, and history of the country. It is said that coffee was initially introduced in Colombia by the Jesuits, a religious order founded in Paris during the 1500s.
On the three mountain ranges of the country, Colombian producers started cultivating mostly arabica. By the 19th century, this was so successful that it became the country’s main export. Most Colombian coffee is shipped to Buenaventura, where it reaches Europe through the Panama Canal.
Today, Colombia is the world’s third-largest coffee producer, covering about 10% of overall arabica production. Colombian producers also grow other coffee varieties in the “zone cafetera,” an area extending between three regions: Caldas, Risaralda, and Quindio.
Colombian coffee is famous for its full body and sweet, fruity, and floral flavour notes.