The Forgotten Origin: Coffee in 18th-Century Suriname

When you think of historic coffee origins, Ethiopia, Yemen, and Java might come to mind—but Suriname? Most coffee drinkers have never heard of it. Yet this small South American nation was the continent’s very first to cultivate coffee, decades before others followed. Its forgotten role offers a fascinating glimpse into how coffee spread through colonization, crime, and a single act of generosity.

Yes, Suriname was the first country in South America to grow coffee—introduced by the Dutch in the early 1700s from Java. By the mid-1700s, coffee had also spread into nearby French Guiana, thanks to a pardoned French convict. Today, its production is negligible, but its place in coffee history is undeniable.

The Dutch Introduction of Coffee to Suriname

The Dutch settled in Suriname as early as 1667, establishing plantations and infrastructure throughout the territory then known as Dutch Guiana. It wasn’t until the early 18th century, however, that coffee made its way to the colony. According to historical records, the first coffee trees were a gift from the mayor of Amsterdam to a Flemish pirate named Hansback. These trees were brought over from Java—then a major Dutch-controlled coffee region—and planted in what is now Suriname.

From Dutch Guiana to French Guiana

Within just a few years of their introduction, coffee plants began spreading beyond Suriname into neighbouring French Guiana. This expansion wasn’t due to official policy, but rather the actions of an unlikely individual: a French convict named Mourgues. He was offered a deal: smuggle coffee trees into the French colony and earn both amnesty and free movement within France. Mourgues succeeded, and French Guiana soon had its own fledgling coffee cultivation as a direct result.

Why Suriname’s Coffee Industry Faded

Despite being the first to cultivate coffee in South America, Suriname’s coffee production never reached significant commercial scale. Over time, other regions with more favourable conditions, larger investments, and stronger colonial backing surpassed it. By the modern era, Suriname’s output has dwindled to almost nothing. Today, it’s rarely mentioned in global coffee discussions—except as a footnote in the story of coffee’s colonial journey.

Norwegian Trade and Historical Significance

Interestingly, Norway was once a major importer of Surinamese coffee during the height of its production. Though specific trade volumes are lost to history, this connection underscores how coffee from the region reached European markets far beyond the colonies themselves. Though Suriname no longer exports coffee in any meaningful quantity, its early role as a coffee origin point left a mark on both local and international trade networks.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Yes. Historical records confirm that coffee was first cultivated in Suriname in the early 18th century, introduced by the Dutch from Java. This makes Suriname the earliest South American country to grow coffee, predating other regional efforts by several decades.

How did coffee get from Suriname to French Guiana?

Coffee spread to French Guiana thanks to a French convict named Mourgues, who was promised amnesty and freedom of movement in France in exchange for introducing coffee trees into the French colony. He successfully smuggled them in, leading to coffee’s cultivation there.

Who originally brought coffee to Suriname?

The first coffee trees in Suriname were a gift from the mayor of Amsterdam to a Flemish pirate named Hansback. These trees were originally from Java and were planted in what was then Dutch Guiana in the early 1700s.

Did Suriname ever produce coffee commercially?

While Suriname did grow coffee, it never developed a large-scale commercial coffee industry. Factors like limited investment and competition from other colonies prevented it from becoming a major producer, and today its output is minimal.

Why is Suriname no longer known for coffee?

Suriname’s coffee production declined over time due to a combination of geographic, economic, and historical factors. Other regions with better conditions and stronger support eventually overshadowed it, leading to its near disappearance from the global coffee map.

Did Norway really import coffee from Suriname?

Yes. Historical accounts indicate that Norway was once a major importer of coffee from Suriname during the peak of its production. While exact figures are unknown, this trade highlights Suriname’s role in 18th-century European coffee supply chains.

Recommended FrontStreet Coffee Beans with Historic Depth

While Suriname no longer grows coffee, explore beans with colonial-era heritage profiles. FrontStreet’s Ethiopia Humbera offers bright citrus and floral tones reminiscent of early arabica origins, while Yirgacheffe delivers lemon zest and jasmine—a nod to the complex cup profiles once sought in rare imports. For darker, spicier notes akin to old-world blends, try the Jamaica Blue Mountain No.1. Freshly roasted within 5 days · Orders placed before 17:00 ship the same day · Next-day delivery across most of Guangdong Province.