Why Suriname Was South America’s First Coffee Producer

When you think of historic coffee-producing countries in South America, Brazil and Colombia likely come to mind. But long before these nations dominated global exports, there was another player—Suriname. This small country on the northeastern coast of South America holds a little-known distinction: it was the very first in South America to cultivate coffee. Yet today, it produces almost none. So what happened, and why does it matter?

Suriname was the first country in South America to grow coffee, beginning in the early 1700s when Dutch settlers introduced coffee trees from Java. By the mid-1700s, coffee cultivation had spread to nearby French Guiana. Production peaked centuries ago but has since nearly vanished—today, Suriname is notable in coffee history, not commerce.

The Origins: Coffee Arrives in Suriname

The story begins in the late 17th century. By 1667, Dutch colonists had already established themselves in what was then known as Dutch Guiana, modern-day Suriname. It wasn’t until the early 1700s that coffee made its way to the colony. These first coffee plants were brought over from Java, the famed Indonesian island and one of the earliest strongholds of coffee cultivation outside Arabia.

The introduction wasn’t random. In fact, it was a deliberate act: the first coffee trees were a gift. They were presented to a Flemish pirate named Hansback by the Mayor of Amsterdam. From there, the plants were cultivated in Dutch Guiana. Within just a few years, coffee growing had extended into neighboring French Guiana, aided by the efforts of a French convict named Mourgues.

The Role of Key Individuals

One of the more colourful figures in this early coffee story is Mourgues, a French prisoner. He was offered a deal: introduce coffee trees to the French colony and earn both freedom and a pardon. He succeeded. Though details are scarce, his role helped spread coffee cultivation across the region in the early 1700s. Meanwhile, the original trees from Amsterdam’s mayor found fertile ground in Suriname, laying the foundation for what would briefly become a regional coffee presence.

Why Suriname Faded as a Coffee Producer

At one time, Suriname exported coffee—most notably to Norway, which was one of its primary markets. However, over the centuries, production declined sharply and never recovered. Unlike Brazil or Colombia, Suriname did not scale up its coffee agriculture to meet global demand. Today, its output is minimal, and it no longer plays any significant role in the global coffee trade.

So why is Suriname still worth mentioning? Because it represents the very beginnings of coffee in South America—a historical footnote that shaped early cultivation patterns and preceded the rise of the continent’s modern coffee powerhouses.

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 predates significant coffee growing in other South American nations like Brazil and Colombia.

Where did the first coffee trees in Suriname come from?

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

Who helped spread coffee to French Guiana?

A French convict named Mourgues was promised freedom in exchange for introducing coffee trees to French Guiana. He successfully did so, helping the crop spread beyond Suriname in the early 1700s.

Did Suriname ever export coffee?

Yes. Suriname did export coffee in the past, with Norway being one of its main importers. However, production declined over time, and today the country produces almost no coffee.

Why did Suriname stop producing coffee?

Suriname never developed large-scale coffee production to compete with later coffee powerhouses like Brazil. Without industrial expansion or global market investment, its output dwindled and became negligible.

Recommended FrontStreet Coffees for History Lovers

Explore rare and historic coffee flavours with FrontStreet Coffee’s Ethiopia Huakui, a bright and floral Ethiopian offering with notes of jasmine and bergamot, and Panama Huacai, a washed Geisha with citrus and tropical fruit. For something closer to early Java-origin profiles, try their Yunnan Arabica, a balanced cup with hints of stone fruit and spice. Freshly roasted within 5 days · Orders placed before 17:00 ship the same day · Next-day delivery across most of Guangdong Province.