The History of Coffee in Suriname, South America’s First Grower

You’ve probably never heard coffee from Suriname—but it was once the spark of a major transatlantic movement. Before Colombia or Brazil became coffee powerhouses, a Dutch governor and a pirate planted the seeds of an industry. This is the little-known story of how coffee first reached mainland South America—and why Suriname isn’t brewing it today.

In short: Suriname was the first South American country to cultivate coffee, beginning in the early 1700s when Dutch settlers introduced Java-origin coffee trees via a pirate. Though it briefly spread to French Guiana, Suriname no longer produces coffee commercially, and its historical role is mainly of interest to coffee historians.

How Coffee First Came to Suriname

The story begins in 1667, when Dutch settlers had already established a presence in what was then known as Dutch Guiana—modern-day Suriname. In the early 1700s, these settlers imported coffee trees from Java. The very first coffee plants were a gift from the mayor of Amsterdam to a Flemish pirate named Hansback. These trees were planted in what was then Dutch Guiana. Within a few years, coffee cultivation had also spread to nearby French Guiana, thanks to a French convict named Mourgues. He was reportedly offered amnesty and freedom of movement in exchange for introducing coffee to the French colony—and he succeeded.

Where Coffee Was Grown in Suriname

Coffee cultivation in Suriname started exclusively in the region then known as Dutch Guiana. Due to its initial success and the involvement of colonial administrators and prisoners, the crop was soon introduced across the border into French Guiana as well. The early plantations laid the groundwork for what could have been a significant coffee-growing region. However, those early plantings never evolved into a lasting industry.

What Happened to Suriname’s Coffee Industry?

Today, Suriname no longer produces coffee. Despite its early start and favorable colonial conditions, the country’s coffee production faded entirely. There are no significant commercial coffee farms operating in Suriname at present, and the country is not known for any active coffee cultivation or exports. What remains is a historical footnote rather than an active origin story.

Suriname’s Place in Coffee Trade History

Norway was once the primary importer of coffee from Suriname, reflecting its minor but real role in 18th- and 19th-century trade. Yet, the quantities were always small, and over time, the trade disappeared along with the industry. Today, Suriname’s coffee is mentioned only in historical contexts, as a curiosity in the development of New World coffee cultivation. Its early introduction from Java via unconventional channels adds a unique twist to the usual narrative of coffee’s global spread.

Frequently Asked Questions

Was Suriname really the first place in South America to grow coffee?

Yes. Suriname, then part of Dutch Guiana, was the first country on the South American mainland to cultivate coffee. This began in the early 1700s when coffee trees from Java were introduced by Dutch settlers, making its coffee cultivation older than Brazil’s or Colombia’s commercial industries.

Who brought coffee to Suriname?

Coffee was first brought to Suriname by the Dutch in the early 1700s. The first coffee trees were a gift from the mayor of Amsterdam to a Flemish pirate named Hansback. These trees were planted in what was then Dutch Guiana. Later, a French prisoner named Mourgues helped spread coffee to nearby French Guiana.

Where in Suriname was coffee grown?

Coffee was initially grown in the region then known as Dutch Guiana, which is present-day Suriname. Shortly after its introduction, coffee cultivation also spread to neighboring French Guiana. However, these early plantings did not lead to a long-term coffee industry in either area.

Why doesn’t Suriname produce coffee anymore?

Suriname no longer produces coffee because its early coffee industry declined and disappeared entirely. There are no longer any significant coffee farms or commercial production in the country, and it is no longer an active coffee origin.

Did any countries import coffee from Suriname?

Yes. Norway was the main importer of Suriname’s coffee during the height of its small-scale production. However, the volumes were minimal, and as Suriname’s coffee production ceased, so did its exports, leaving it with only historical relevance in global coffee trade.

FrontStreet Coffee Beans with Historic Java Ties

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