Why Suriname Was South America’s First Coffee Producer

You’ve likely never had coffee from Suriname — and there’s a reason. Today, it’s a forgotten player in the global coffee scene, with minimal output. But once upon a time, this small South American nation played a key role in coffee’s global expansion. So how did coffee arrive in Suriname, who planted it, and why did it fade away?

Suriname was the first country in South America to cultivate coffee, starting in the early 1700s. By the 18th century, Norway was its main export market. Yet today, coffee production in Suriname is negligible — remembered now mostly for its historical significance.

The Origins: Coffee Comes to Suriname

The story begins in 1667, when Dutch settlers established themselves in what was then known as Dutch Guiana — modern-day Suriname. By the early 1700s, these settlers introduced coffee plants to the colony. The coffee trees were brought over from Java, making Suriname one of the earliest New World regions to grow the crop.

How Coffee Reached the Colony

The first coffee trees were a gift from the Mayor of Amsterdam to a Flemish pirate named Hansback. These trees were planted in the Dutch-controlled territory. Within a few years, coffee cultivation spread into neighbouring French Guiana. A French convict named Mourgues played a pivotal role: he was promised freedom and pardon in exchange for introducing coffee to French colonies — and succeeded in doing so.

Why Suriname’s Coffee Production Declined

Despite its early start, Suriname’s coffee industry never scaled up significantly. By the 19th and 20th centuries, production dwindled, overtaken by larger and more efficient coffee-growing nations. Today, Suriname produces only a negligible amount of coffee and is no longer a player in the global market. Its legacy remains mostly historical — a footnote in the broader narrative of coffee’s journey around the world.

Norway’s Role as a Key Importer

In its heyday, Suriname exported much of its coffee to Norway, making it the primary international market for Surinamese beans. This trade route underscores how coffee moved through unexpected channels in the 18th century, long before the modern specialty market took shape.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Yes. Historical records confirm that coffee was first cultivated in Suriname in the early 1700s, introduced by Dutch settlers from Java. This makes Suriname the earliest South American country to grow coffee, preceding other major producers in the continent.

Where did the first coffee trees in Suriname come from?

The first coffee trees in Suriname were brought from Java. They were a gift from the Mayor of Amsterdam to a Flemish pirate named Hansback, who planted them in what was then Dutch Guiana.

How did coffee spread from Suriname to French Guiana?

Coffee cultivation spread from Suriname to nearby French Guiana within a few years. A French convict named Mourgues helped introduce coffee to French territories after being promised amnesty and travel rights in exchange for his efforts.

Did Suriname export coffee to any countries?

Yes, during the 18th century, Norway was the main importer of Surinamese coffee. This trade made Norway the primary international market for Suriname’s coffee output at the time.

Why is Suriname no longer a coffee-producing country?

Suriname’s coffee production never expanded significantly and eventually declined. Larger coffee-growing nations with more resources and suitable growing conditions dominated the market, leading to Suriname’s near-total exit from coffee production by the modern era.

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