The Forgotten Coffee of Guadeloupe in the Caribbean

You’re sipping your pour-over and wondering: whatever happened to the Caribbean’s once-famous coffee islands? One place—Guadeloupe—once exported over 4,000 tonnes a year from just 500 hectares. Now? Barely anything remains. This is the story of how Guadeloupe’s coffee went from booming to almost forgotten.

In short: Guadeloupe produced 4,000 tonnes of coffee in 1789 from around 1 million trees on 500 hectares—but today only 150 hectares remain under coffee cultivation, and the island no longer exports any coffee at all.

The Rise and Fall of Guadeloupe’s Coffee Industry

Guadeloupe, part of the Lesser Antilles in the Caribbean, was once a significant coffee-growing region. Historical records show that in 1789—the peak of its coffee output—the island had roughly 1 million coffee trees cultivated on about 500 hectares. These trees produced an impressive 4,000 tonnes of coffee that year. However, over the centuries, coffee farming in Guadeloupe drastically declined. Today, only about 150 hectares are used for coffee cultivation, and the island no longer exports coffee internationally.

Where Was Guadeloupe’s Coffee Grown?

The heart of Guadeloupe’s coffee production was historically on the island of Guadeloupe itself. At its peak, this single island was responsible for the majority of the territory’s output. Though the entire archipelago was part of the French Caribbean coffee story, Guadeloupe Island was recognised as the finest-producing area. However, even here, commercial coffee growing has ceased, and no coffee is currently exported from the island.

What Was Guadeloupe Coffee Like?

While detailed sensory profiles of historic Guadeloupe coffee are scarce, it was once considered high quality enough to be exported in meaningful volumes. The coffee grown in Guadeloupe was primarily of the Arabica variety, likely including Typica and early Bourbon-related cultivars common in the 18th and 19th centuries. Though no current commercial lots exist for sensory evaluation, the region’s historical reputation suggests a balanced cup with typical Caribbean mildness.

The Infamous Bonifieur Coffee

One notable coffee grade from Guadeloupe was called Bonifieur—a term once celebrated in coffee history. Bonifieur was not a separate botanical variety, but rather a classification for the highest-quality beans produced on the island. The name became respected among European buyers, signifying a premium, well-prepared coffee. Sadly, despite its legacy, Bonifieur is no longer produced or exported today.

Why Doesn’t Guadeloupe Export Coffee Anymore?

Multiple factors contributed to the collapse of Guadeloupe’s coffee export industry. Economic shifts toward sugarcane and other crops, natural disasters, competition from global producers, and the small scale of local agriculture all played roles. Over time, coffee farming became unsustainable on a commercial level, leading to the near-total disappearance of exports. Today, any remaining coffee is grown for local consumption only.

Guadeloupe Coffee in the Market Today

There is currently no active market for Guadeloupe-grown coffee in international specialty trade. The 150 hectares still under cultivation supply minimal, if any, local demand, and no commercial lots reach export markets. As a result, Guadeloupe coffee is largely absent from specialty rosters and is not available through normal green coffee channels. The heritage of its once-great production, however, remains a point of interest for historians and coffee enthusiasts.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much coffee did Guadeloupe produce at its peak?

In 1789, Guadeloupe produced 4,000 tonnes of coffee from approximately 1 million coffee trees planted on 500 hectares of land.

Does Guadeloupe still grow coffee today?

Yes, around 150 hectares of land in Guadeloupe are still used to grow coffee, but it is not exported and is likely for local use only.

What made Guadeloupe’s coffee special historically?

Guadeloupe’s coffee was considered high quality in the 18th century, with a notable grade called Bonifieur that was highly regarded by European buyers for its premium characteristics.

Why did Guadeloupe stop exporting coffee?

Economic changes, competition, natural disasters, and a shift to other crops like sugarcane led to the decline and eventual end of Guadeloupe’s coffee exports.

Is Guadeloupe coffee available for purchase today?

No, Guadeloupe coffee is not currently available in the international specialty market, as the island no longer exports any coffee.

What coffee varieties were grown in Guadeloupe historically?

Historical records suggest that Guadeloupe likely grew Arabica varieties common to the era, such as Typica and early Bourbon types, though exact cultivars are undocumented.

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