Mexico

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Mexico may not be the first country that comes to mind when you think coffee. However, Mexico has a rich coffee history and produces wonderful coffees, typically light to medium bodied and often has notes of chocolate, nuts, jasmine, bergamot, lemongrass, vanilla, citrus, floral, and hazelnut.

History of Coffee In Mexico

Coffee was introduced to Mexico in the late 18th century by the Spanish, who brought coffee plants from their colonies in the Caribbean. It is believed that coffee was initially cultivated in the southern regions of Mexico, particularly in the states of Veracruz and Chiapas. The plant thrived in the fertile volcanic soils of these regions, which are still some of the most important coffee-producing areas in the country today.

During the colonial period, coffee cultivation was primarily managed by large estates, known as haciendas. This system relied heavily on the labor of Indigenous people and enslaved Africans. The Spanish colonial elite developed a strong taste for coffee, and it became an important commodity in Mexico’s economy. However, it wasn’t until the 19th century that coffee started to gain traction as an export crop, particularly to Europe and the United States.

By the mid-1800s, Mexico had begun to develop its coffee industry more significantly. Veracruz, Chiapas, and Oaxaca became key coffee-growing regions, with the climate and elevation proving ideal for growing high-quality Arabica coffee beans. This period saw a shift toward more widespread cultivation, though large-scale production continued to dominate the industry.

Mexico coffee facts:

• Altitude: about 1,200+ feet
• Harvest: November – March
• Mexico is one of the world’s top 10 coffee exporters. In 2023/24, Mexico is forecast to produce 4.1 million 60 kg bags of coffee. 
• Varieties: Bourbon, Typica, Caturra, and recently the country has been introducing Robusta.

Coffee from Mexico is typically light to medium bodied and often has notes of chocolate, nuts, jasmine, bergamot, lemongrass, vanilla, citrus, floral, and hazelnut.

MEXICO COFFEES