Upon researching the origins of coffee due to the importance to the consumer I discovered the following regions that I found interesting/where known for producing premium coffee according the the British Coffee Association (see figures 1-4):
Côte D'Ivoire:
The coffee grown in Côte D’Ivoire (the Ivory Coast) on the west coast of Africa, Robusta, is a stronger flavoured bean containing more caffeine than the higher altitude grown Arabica. Coffees from the Côte D’Ivoire are strongly aromatic with a light body and acidity.
The coffee grown in Côte D’Ivoire (the Ivory Coast) on the west coast of Africa, Robusta, is a stronger flavoured bean containing more caffeine than the higher altitude grown Arabica. Coffees from the Côte D’Ivoire are strongly aromatic with a light body and acidity.
Ethiopia:
It is believed that the Arabica coffee tree originated in Ethiopia where some may still be discovered growing wild. This country produces some of the world’s most unusual coffees.
It is believed that the Arabica coffee tree originated in Ethiopia where some may still be discovered growing wild. This country produces some of the world’s most unusual coffees.
Guatemala:
The southern half of Guatemala is dominated by the Sierra Madre. The high mountain range creates a perfect climate for coffee cultivation. In extreme weather conditions, Guatemalans burn rubbish near the plantations, a cultivation process developed by German immigrants. The dense smoke protects the trees from frost. This produces a smoky flavour in the beans.
The southern half of Guatemala is dominated by the Sierra Madre. The high mountain range creates a perfect climate for coffee cultivation. In extreme weather conditions, Guatemalans burn rubbish near the plantations, a cultivation process developed by German immigrants. The dense smoke protects the trees from frost. This produces a smoky flavour in the beans.
India:
Although long associated with tea, India is one of the world’s oldest coffee growing nations. During the early 1600's a pilgrim to Mecca, whose name was Baba Budan, smuggled some coffee beans out of Arabia, concealed in his robes, and grew them in India.
Although long associated with tea, India is one of the world’s oldest coffee growing nations. During the early 1600's a pilgrim to Mecca, whose name was Baba Budan, smuggled some coffee beans out of Arabia, concealed in his robes, and grew them in India.
Indonesia:
Production came early to Indonesia when the Dutch introduced coffee growing to Java in the mid-seventeenth century. The heavy, rich flavour of these coffees carries through the addition of milk or cream.
Production came early to Indonesia when the Dutch introduced coffee growing to Java in the mid-seventeenth century. The heavy, rich flavour of these coffees carries through the addition of milk or cream.
Jamaica:
Blue Mountain coffee is coffee from the eastern parishes of St. Thomas, Portland and St. Andrews, produced at over 5,000 feet above sea-level. Increasing demand has resulted in the scarcity of this unique coffee and this is reflected in the price, which is higher than average. Blue Mountain coffee is one of the most popular high end coffees in Japan with around 80% of its production being exported there.
Blue Mountain coffee is coffee from the eastern parishes of St. Thomas, Portland and St. Andrews, produced at over 5,000 feet above sea-level. Increasing demand has resulted in the scarcity of this unique coffee and this is reflected in the price, which is higher than average. Blue Mountain coffee is one of the most popular high end coffees in Japan with around 80% of its production being exported there.
Kenya:
Kenyan coffees are famous for their bright, lively flavours, rich aromas and high quality.
Kenyan coffees are famous for their bright, lively flavours, rich aromas and high quality.
Peru:
The climate and soil structure in Peru offer tremendous possibilities for producing fine coffee.
The climate and soil structure in Peru offer tremendous possibilities for producing fine coffee.
Tanzania:
The local coffee, named Chagga, is produced by the Wa-Chagga people living and farming on the slopes of Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania. It was discovered by Mr H.R. Higgins just after the end of the Second World War. He was attracted to the full bodied flavour, which is less acidic than Kenyan coffees. However upon further research this area doesn't appear to produce as higher quality beans compared to other regions.
The local coffee, named Chagga, is produced by the Wa-Chagga people living and farming on the slopes of Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania. It was discovered by Mr H.R. Higgins just after the end of the Second World War. He was attracted to the full bodied flavour, which is less acidic than Kenyan coffees. However upon further research this area doesn't appear to produce as higher quality beans compared to other regions.
Vietnam:
Vietnam is the second major coffee producing country, providing 20% of the world’s coffee. Nearly all coffee grown in Vietnam is of the Robusta variety. One of the most expensive and sought-after coffees comes from Vietnam – ‘caphe cut chon’ or ‘fox dung coffee’ – made from coffee beans that have been eaten and ‘passed through’ the civet cat (which looks like a fox). However upon further research I discovered animal cruelty issues surrounding the production of this coffee as the beans have to be retrieved from the feces of the civet cat, resulting in cases of animal cruelty.
Vietnam is the second major coffee producing country, providing 20% of the world’s coffee. Nearly all coffee grown in Vietnam is of the Robusta variety. One of the most expensive and sought-after coffees comes from Vietnam – ‘caphe cut chon’ or ‘fox dung coffee’ – made from coffee beans that have been eaten and ‘passed through’ the civet cat (which looks like a fox). However upon further research I discovered animal cruelty issues surrounding the production of this coffee as the beans have to be retrieved from the feces of the civet cat, resulting in cases of animal cruelty.
Yemen:
The world’s oldest cultivated coffee is grown on mountain terraces at altitudes exceeding 4,500 feet. The coffee is grown using rainwater irrigation, dried naturally and without the use of chemicals. Yemeni beans are characterised by their medium to full body and overtones of chocolate and cherries.
The world’s oldest cultivated coffee is grown on mountain terraces at altitudes exceeding 4,500 feet. The coffee is grown using rainwater irrigation, dried naturally and without the use of chemicals. Yemeni beans are characterised by their medium to full body and overtones of chocolate and cherries.
Zimbabwe:
The Chihosa Estate is situated in the eastern highlands of Zimbabwe at 5,600 feet above sea level and has been run, since 1990, by the Cugnet family. The coffee has a rich, full character with mild acidity.
The Chihosa Estate is situated in the eastern highlands of Zimbabwe at 5,600 feet above sea level and has been run, since 1990, by the Cugnet family. The coffee has a rich, full character with mild acidity.
As a brand needs to be developed as part of this brief I've chosen to explore the regions in which coffee beans are grown to identify those within the luxury coffee market. Furthermore this research has provided me with insight into the history of the production of coffee within these areas providing interesting research point which can inform the design process. The most interesting areas I've found are India, Ethiopia and Guatemala as these are regions known for producing high quality beans. Further research into these areas will be conducted to decide which will feature with the brand as this will allow me to discover more about the coffee industry including which is more popular with the consumer.
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