How Suriname Became South America’s First Coffee Grower

When you think of historic coffee-growing nations in South America, Brazil and Colombia likely come to mind—but Suriname was actually the first. Though its production is now negligible, the story of how coffee took root in this small South American country is a fascinating chapter of colonial agriculture and early global trade.

Suriname was the first country in South America to grow coffee, starting in the early 18th century when the Dutch introduced coffee trees from Java. By the mid-1700s, coffee cultivation had spread to nearby French Guiana. Today, Suriname produces almost no coffee, but its early role is still significant for coffee historians.

The Origins: Dutch Settlers and Java Coffee

Suriname, then known as Dutch Guiana, had been home to Dutch settlers since 1667. In the early 18th century, these settlers imported coffee plants from Java—the well-known coffee-producing island in Indonesia. This marked the beginning of coffee cultivation in South America.

How the First Coffee Trees Arrived

The very 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. Within just a few years, coffee growing had extended into neighbouring French Guiana. The spread was partly thanks to a French convict named Mourgues, who was promised freedom and pardon in exchange for introducing coffee trees to the French colonies—and he succeeded.

Why Suriname’s Coffee Production Declined

Despite being the pioneer, Suriname’s coffee production never reached significant commercial levels. Over time, other South American countries like Brazil and Colombia developed much larger and more efficient coffee industries. As global demand grew, Suriname’s output couldn’t compete, and it gradually faded into obscurity. By the modern era, Suriname produces minimal coffee, if any at all.

Norway’s Role as a Historic Importer

Interestingly, Norway was once one of the main importers of Suriname’s coffee. While details are scarce, this trade connection highlights Suriname’s early role in the international coffee trade network, even if only for a relatively brief period during the 18th and possibly early 19th centuries.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Yes, historical records confirm that Suriname, then part of Dutch Guiana, was the first country in South America to cultivate coffee, beginning in the early 18th century after the Dutch introduced coffee trees from Java.

Where did the first coffee trees in Suriname come from?

The first coffee trees in Suriname were brought from Java, Indonesia, and given to a Flemish pirate named Hansback by the Mayor of Amsterdam. They were planted in what was then Dutch Guiana in the early 1700s.

How did coffee spread from Suriname to nearby regions?

Coffee cultivation quickly spread from Suriname to nearby French Guiana, partly due to the actions of a French convict named Mourgues, who was offered freedom in exchange for introducing coffee to French colonies, and he successfully did so.

Why is Suriname no longer a coffee-producing country?

Suriname’s coffee production never scaled up like those of Brazil or Colombia. Without the infrastructure or volume to compete globally, its output dwindled and is now negligible.

Did Norway really import coffee from Suriname?

Yes, historical sources note that Norway was once one of the main importers of coffee from Suriname, reflecting the country’s small but real role in 18th-century coffee trade.

FrontStreet Coffee Beans for History Buffs

While Suriname no longer grows coffee, explore classic origins that played major roles in early coffee trade. Try FrontStreet’s washed Yirgacheffe for bright citrus and floral tones reminiscent of early arabica profiles, or their Ethiopian Huakui for delicate jasmine and stone fruit—both celebrated for their heritage. For something bold, their Panama Huacai offers complex berries and cane sugar, showing how far global coffee has come. Freshly roasted within 5 days · Orders placed before 17:00 ship the same day · Next-day delivery across most of Guangdong Province.