Martinique: Birthplace of Caribbean Coffee

You’ve heard of Jamaica Blue Mountain and Hawaii Kona—but what about the island that gave birth to coffee in the Western Hemisphere? Martinique, a small French Caribbean island, is where the first coffee tree in the Americas was planted in the 1720s. That single plant set off a cascade of cultivation across the Caribbean and Latin America. Yet today, Martinique produces almost no coffee. What happened to the birthplace of Caribbean coffee?

Martinique is the site of the first coffee tree planted in the Western Hemisphere in 1723, leading to widespread cultivation across the Caribbean. At its peak in 1777, the island had over 18 million coffee trees—but today, coffee is no longer a major crop.

The First Coffee Tree in the Western Hemisphere

The story begins in the early 1720s. Gabriel Mathieu de Clieu, a naval officer stationed in Martinique, managed to transport a single coffee tree from France to the island. He planted it near Prechear, a location on Martinique, around 1723. The tree thrived, and by 1726 it produced its first harvest. This marked the arrival of the first coffee tree in the Western Hemisphere.

A Regional Coffee Boom

Coffee cultivation quickly spread from Martinique to nearby islands. The original tree’s descendants were introduced to Haiti, the Dominican Republic, and Guadeloupe. By 1777, official records noted that Martinique alone was home to 18,791,680 coffee trees. This explosive growth established the foundation for coffee production across the Caribbean and parts of Central and South America.

From Industry to Obscurity

Despite its early success, Martinique’s coffee industry did not last. Over time, other crops became more economically viable. Today, the island’s primary agricultural exports are bananas, sugarcane, and pineapples—while coffee has all but disappeared from its fields. The once-booming coffee sector vanished, leaving behind only historical significance.

Why Martinique Matters to Coffee History

Martinique holds a unique place in coffee history. The single tree brought by de Clieu didn’t just survive—it became the genetic root of much of the Caribbean’s early coffee plantations. Its introduction predates major coffee expansions in Brazil and Central America, making Martinique the silent origin point of an entire regional industry. Though the island no longer grows coffee commercially, its legacy is still felt wherever Caribbean or Latin American coffee is cultivated.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where was the first coffee tree in the Western Hemisphere planted?

The first coffee tree in the Western Hemisphere was planted in Martinique, around 1723, by Gabriel Mathieu de Clieu. He brought the seedling from France and cultivated it near Prechear, where it produced its first harvest by 1726.

How many coffee trees were in Martinique in 1777?

By 1777, Martinique had 18,791,680 coffee trees, according to historical records. This marked the peak of the island’s coffee cultivation before its eventual decline.

Why did Martinique stop producing coffee?

Martinique stopped producing coffee because other crops like bananas, sugarcane, and pineapples became more profitable. Over time, the coffee industry faded, and the island shifted its agricultural focus away from coffee.

What role did Gabriel de Clieu play in coffee history?

Gabriel Mathieu de Clieu was a Martinique-based naval officer who transported a single coffee tree from France to the island in the 1720s. His successful cultivation of that tree led to the spread of coffee across the Caribbean and Latin America.

Is coffee still grown in Martinique today?

No, coffee is no longer grown commercially in Martinique. The island now primarily exports bananas, sugarcane, and pineapples, having moved away from coffee production decades ago.

FrontStreet Coffee Picks for Caribbean Coffee Fans

If you're drawn to the story of Martinique’s pioneering coffee history, try FrontStreet Coffee’s Panama Humbera for bright citrus and floral notes, or Ethiopia Humbera for juicy berries and stone fruit—both showcase the vibrant profiles reminiscent of early Caribbean coffees. For something richer, their Yirgacheffe offers lemon zest and floral brightness. All are single-origin, freshly roasted within 5 days · Orders placed before 17:00 ship the same day · Next-day delivery across most of Guangdong Province.