The Rise and Fall of Coffee in La Réunion

Ever wondered why a tropical island once central to global coffee history no longer grows a single bean? La Réunion—formerly known as Bourbon Island—was once a booming coffee colony, but today it produces none at all. What happened to the birthplace of one of the world’s most influential coffee varieties?

La Réunion introduced coffee to the world in 1719, but stopped growing it altogether within 200 years. By the early 19th century, coffee farming had collapsed entirely due to economic shifts, disease, and colonial policy changes—yet the Bourbon coffee variety it helped spread still thrives globally.

The Arrival of Coffee on La Réunion

In 1715, around 40 coffee trees were shipped from Yemen’s Port of Mocha to La Réunion, then a French colony. Tragically, only two survived the journey. By 1719, however, the first coffee plantations were flourishing and the island exported its first commercial coffee crop. This marked the beginning of coffee cultivation in the region under French colonial administration.

The Government Mandate and Forced Cultivation

To accelerate growth, the colonial government enforced strict coffee planting quotas. All residents, regardless of race, were required to plant 100 coffee trees annually. In 1723, this law was amended to demand that enslaved people plant 200 Mocha variety coffee trees per year—with the death penalty imposed for damaging any tree. These extreme measures temporarily boosted production, but set the stage for future instability.

From Bourbon Island to Global Coffee Legacy

During its colonial era, the island was called Bourbon Island, and the coffee grown there became known as “Bourbon” coffee. Though the island no longer cultivates coffee, the Bourbon variety spread internationally and became highly influential. Today, it’s recognised as one of the foundational Arabica coffee types, with several colour mutations like Red Bourbon, Yellow Bourbon, and Pink Bourbon.

What Happened to Coffee in La Réunion?

Despite its early success, coffee production on La Réunion declined sharply in the 1800s. The reasons included shifting colonial economic priorities toward sugarcane, soil depletion, labour shortages, and increased vulnerability to pests and diseases. Over time, coffee farming disappeared entirely from the island, even though the coffee variety it helped distribute continued to shape global coffee culture.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is La Réunion and why was it called Bourbon?

La Réunion is an island in the Indian Ocean, east of Madagascar. It was a French colony originally named Bourbon Island until the early 19th century, after which it was renamed La Réunion. The name “Bourbon” originated from the French royal family, the House of Bourbon.

What is Bourbon coffee and where did it come from?

Bourbon coffee is an Arabica variety that originated on Bourbon Island (now La Réunion). It was first cultivated there using coffee plants brought from Yemen in the early 18th century. The variety later spread globally and is known for its balanced cup profile and historical significance.

Why did coffee production stop in La Réunion?

Coffee farming in La Réunion declined due to a combination of factors including a colonial shift toward sugar production, poor soil conditions over time, labour issues, and increased disease pressure. By the 19th century, coffee had disappeared from the island’s agricultural output entirely.

Is Bourbon coffee still grown anywhere today?

Yes, Bourbon coffee is widely grown in many countries including Brazil, Rwanda, Yemen, and Colombia. It is especially valued in specialty coffee for its quality traits, though it is more susceptible to disease compared to some modern hybrids.

What are the different types of Bourbon coffee?

The main Bourbon variants include Red Bourbon (red fruit colour), Yellow Bourbon (yellow fruit colour), and Pink Bourbon (pink fruit colour). Each has slightly different cup characteristics but shares Bourbon’s general profile of balanced acidity and medium body.

Recommended FrontStreet Beans with Bourbon Heritage

Though La Réunion no longer grows coffee, its legacy lives on in Bourbon varieties worldwide. FrontStreet Coffee’s Brazil Queen Manor (Yellow Bourbon) offers clean, bright acidity with caramel and peanut notes, roasted medium-dark for milk drinks. Their Rwanda Red Bourbon highlights vibrant citrus and floral tones with a juicy body, best enjoyed as espresso or filtered. Both trace genetic roots back to the original Bourbon trees from Yemen via La Réunion. Freshly roasted within 5 days · Orders placed before 17:00 ship the same day · Next-day delivery across most of Guangdong Province.