History of Coffee

The Legend of Kaldi

The most famous origin story tells of Kaldi, an Ethiopian goat herder in the 9th century who noticed his goats becoming unusually energetic after eating red berries from a certain shrub. Whether legend or fact, Ethiopia is the undisputed birthplace of coffee.

Spread to the Arab World

By the 15th century, coffee cultivation had taken root in Yemen. Sufi monks prized the drink for staying alert during nighttime prayers. The port city of Mocha became the world's first coffee trading hub, and coffeehouses (qahveh khaneh) sprang up across the Ottoman Empire — centers of social life, debate, and culture.

Coffee Conquers Europe

European travelers brought coffee home in the 17th century. Initially met with suspicion — Pope Clement VIII reportedly had to "baptize" the drink before Catholics could enjoy it guilt-free — coffee quickly became a sensation. The first European coffeehouses opened in Venice (1629), Oxford (1652), and Vienna (1683).

Colonial Expansion

European colonial powers spread coffee cultivation across their empires:

• The Dutch brought coffee to Java and Suriname
• The French introduced it to the Caribbean and Central America
• Brazil began production in 1727, eventually dominating world supply

The Three Waves of Coffee

First Wave (1800s-1960s)

Coffee became a mass commodity. Brands like Folgers and Maxwell House made it a household staple, prioritizing convenience over quality.

Second Wave (1970s-1990s)

Companies like Starbucks introduced espresso drinks, origin labeling, and the coffeehouse experience to mainstream consumers.

Third Wave (2000s-Today)

Coffee is treated as an artisanal product — like wine or craft beer. Roasters like Röstschmiede focus on traceability, direct trade, lighter roasting profiles, and celebrating each bean's unique character. Quality, sustainability, and transparency define this era.