The Forgotten History of Suriname Coffee

You’ve heard of Colombian, Ethiopian, and Brazilian coffee—but what about Suriname? If you’re curious why one of the earliest coffee-growing regions in South America has completely vanished from the modern coffee map, this article traces its rise and disappearance. From pirates to pardons, Suriname played a surprising role in coffee’s global expansion.

Yes, Suriname—then part of Dutch Guiana—was the first place in South America to grow coffee, starting in the early 1700s. But today, there is no active coffee production there. The country’s coffee era lasted less than two centuries and left almost no trace on the modern market.

How Coffee First Came to Suriname

In the early 18th century, Dutch settlers in Suriname (then Dutch Guiana) received coffee trees from Java. These were not planted by colonial officials, but by a Flemish pirate named Hansback. The very first coffee trees were a gift from the Mayor of Amsterdam to Hansback. They were planted in what was then Dutch Guiana, and within a few years spread to nearby French Guiana.

A French convict named Mourgues was offered freedom and pardon in exchange for introducing coffee to French colonies. He succeeded, helping establish coffee cultivation in French Guiana shortly after its arrival in Suriname.

Where Coffee Was Grown in Suriname

Coffee cultivation began in the Dutch Guiana region—modern-day Suriname. Within several years, coffee farming expanded into neighboring French Guiana. There is no mention in the source of specific farms, altitudes, or processing methods used during this period, only that the trees were successfully cultivated and spread from one colony to another.

Why Suriname No Longer Produces Coffee

Today, Suriname does not produce coffee at all. While it was historically significant as South America’s first coffee-growing territory, commercial production ceased long ago. The reasons are not detailed in the source, but the outcome is clear: there is no active coffee industry in Suriname now.

Suriname Coffee in Historical Trade

Norway was once the main importer of Suriname’s coffee. However, with production having dwindled to negligible levels, Suriname’s coffee no longer plays any role in global trade. Its historical significance is limited to being among the earliest places in South America where coffee was cultivated.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Yes. According to the article, Suriname—then part of Dutch Guiana—was the first region in South America to cultivate coffee, beginning in the early 1700s. Coffee trees were introduced from Java and planted by a Flemish pirate named Hansback, under a gift from the Amsterdam mayor.

Who brought coffee to Suriname?

Coffee was brought to Suriname by way of the Dutch, who received trees from Java. The first coffee trees were a gift from the Amsterdam mayor to a Flemish pirate named Hansback, who planted them in what was then Dutch Guiana (now Suriname).

Did coffee spread from Suriname to other parts of South America?

Yes. Shortly after coffee was planted in Suriname, it also began to be grown in nearby French Guiana. A French prisoner named Mourgues helped introduce coffee there in exchange for a pardon, making French Guiana another early South American coffee region.

Why doesn’t Suriname grow coffee anymore?

The article states that Suriname no longer produces coffee. While it doesn’t detail why production stopped, it confirms that the country’s coffee era is over and there is currently no active coffee cultivation in Suriname.

Did Suriname export coffee internationally?

Yes, Norway was once the main importer of coffee from Suriname. However, due to the near-total disappearance of coffee production, Suriname no longer exports coffee and has no presence in the modern coffee trade.

Recommended FrontStreet Beans for Historic Coffee Exploration

To explore the kind of classic, balanced profiles reminiscent of early plantation-era coffees like those once grown in Suriname, try FrontStreet Coffee’s Ethiopia Yirgacheffe for its bright citrus and floral tones, or their Colombia Huila for a medium-bodied, nutty and chocolatey cup. For something closer to historic Dutch preferences, their Indonesia Mandheling offers earthy and full-bodied notes. All are freshly roasted within 5 days · Orders placed before 17:00 ship the same day · Next-day delivery across most of Guangdong Province.