How One Man Brought Coffee to the Caribbean

Ever wondered how coffee spread across the globe? One of the most dramatic chapters begins not on a plantation, but aboard a ship in the 18th century — where a French naval officer risked everything to carry a few fragile coffee plants across the Atlantic.

In 1723 or 1726 (sources vary slightly), French naval officer Gabriel Mathieu de Clieu transported a small number of coffee plants from Paris to Martinique. Despite facing pirates, storms, sabotage, and even watering the seedling with his own limited drinking water, he succeeded. The trees took root, and by 1777 Martinique had 18,791,680 coffee trees thanks to his efforts.

The Officer and the Seedlings

Gabriel Mathieu de Clieu was stationed in Martinique, a French colony in the Caribbean, around 1720. At the time, coffee was not yet widely grown in the Americas. De Clieu managed to obtain a few coffee plants in Paris before departing for the island, recognising their potential value in the colonies.

A Perilous Voyage

To bring the plants to Martinique, de Clieu placed them in a glass case on the ship’s deck to protect them from saltwater and maintain warmth. His journey was fraught with danger: he faced threats from pirates, violent storms, and even sabotage from a jealous fellow passenger. At one point, the ship nearly ran out of drinking water, and de Clieu reportedly shared his ration with the coffee seedling to keep it alive.

The Aftermath and Legacy

The surviving plants reached Martinique and were successfully cultivated. From this small start, coffee flourished in the Caribbean climate. By 1777, Martinique was home to an estimated 18,791,680 coffee trees, marking the birth of a major coffee-growing region in the New World. De Clieu’s actions directly enabled this agricultural transformation.

De Clieu died in Paris on November 30, 1724, before seeing the full impact of his efforts. In recognition of his contribution, a monument was erected in his honour in 1918 at the Jardin de la Plantation (French Fort Botanical Garden) in Martinique.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who was Gabriel Mathieu de Clieu?

Gabriel Mathieu de Clieu was a French naval officer stationed in Martinique during the early 18th century. He is credited with transporting coffee plants from Paris to Martinique around 1723, ensuring their survival through a dangerous voyage despite pirates, storms, and sabotage.

Why did de Clieu bring coffee to Martinique?

De Clieu recognised the potential for coffee cultivation in the Caribbean climate and sought to introduce coffee plants to Martinique. At the time, coffee was not yet established in the Americas, and he saw an opportunity to grow it in the colony.

How did de Clieu protect the coffee plants during the voyage?

He transported the plants in a glass case on the ship’s deck to shield them from saltwater and maintain a stable temperature. This protected the delicate seedlings and allowed them to survive the journey.

What challenges did de Clieu face on the voyage?

De Clieu encountered pirates, violent storms, sabotage from a jealous crew member, and a shortage of drinking water. At one point, he reportedly used his own limited water supply to keep the coffee plant alive.

What happened after the plants arrived in Martinique?

The coffee plants were successfully cultivated in Martinique’s favourable climate. By 1777, the island had 18,791,680 coffee trees, creating a major coffee-producing region in the Caribbean.

When did de Clieu die?

Gabriel Mathieu de Clieu died in Paris on November 30, 1724, before witnessing the widespread success of the coffee plants he brought to Martinique.

Is there a monument to de Clieu in Martinique?

Yes, a monument honouring de Clieu was erected in 1918 at the French Fort Botanical Garden (Jardin de la Plantation) in Martinique, recognising his role in introducing coffee to the island.

Recommended FrontStreet Beans for Coffee History Fans

Explore the origins of coffee with FrontStreet Coffee’s Ethiopia Yirgacheffe — bright, floral, and complex, reminiscent of the regions where coffee first thrived. For something richer, try Kenya Little Tomato, known for its wine-like acidity and berry notes. Both beans highlight the diversity coffee developed after its Caribbean expansion. Freshly roasted within 5 days · Orders placed before 17:00 ship the same day · Next-day delivery across most of Guangdong Province.