How Coffee Travelled and Transformed Around the World
When the coffee is so good, it makes you wonder – who invented this magical potion and how did it reach you? Well, the coffee people are here to answer these questions and take you on a quick history lesson about coffee and how it transformed while travelling around the world reaching different people.
The journey of coffee is a fascinating one, beginning with its discovery in the highlands of Ethiopia. The Kaffa region, often referred to as the birthplace of coffee, is where this beloved beverage was first harvested.
According to legend, it was a goat herder named Kaldi who discovered coffee beans when his goats became unusually energetic after eating them. From these humble beginnings, coffee journeyed across the globe, evolving within each culture it encountered.
Cultural Impact of Coffee in the Middle East
From Ethiopia, it made its way to the Arabian Peninsula, where coffee was further developed and experimented with. They brewed coffee with spices like cardamom and cinnamon and sometimes, even chocolate.
In fact, it was in Yemen, that they first developed popular mocha coffee. Coffee slowly became a way of life there and was often called the drink of the intellectual. The Arabian Peninsula laid the foundation for coffee’s future, creating not just a beverage but a cultural staple.
Next, Europe!
In 17th century, coffee made its way to Europe. At first, it was met with suspicion, being referred to as a “bitter invention of Satan”. However, it quickly gained popularity, and European coffeehouses began to emerge in cities like Vienna, Paris and London. Believe it or not, it was Europe and not America where coffeehouses were born. These coffeehouses were meant to bring people together for conversations and idea sharing over a cup of coffee. These houses attracted poets, philosophers, and politicians.
These coffeehouses were also called ‘penny universities’ in England, where a penny would buy you a cup of coffee and a stimulating conversation. It is this coffeehouse culture that is still so present in most European countries today but has evolved into cafés and/or restaurants serving coffee.
World Domination!
Slowly after Europe, coffee went for world domination with reaching America and Asia. It was America that shaped the coffee economy by starting coffee plantations and farms, particularly in the Caribbean and South America. Coffee plantations were established in places like Jamaica, Haiti and Brazil, which soon became the highest producer of coffee and still holds that title today in 2024. Coffee’s journey to America reshaped global trade by increased demand and also created new cultures around coffee drinking.
Innovation & New Brewing Methods
As coffee spread across the globe so did its innovation on how it was brewed and prepared. The Middle East gave us Turkish coffee, a method where finely ground coffee is simmered in water to create a strong, unfiltered brew.
Meanwhile, the French Press, developed in the early 20th century, allowed coffee drinkers to extract more of the bean’s natural oils and flavours. Each region adapted coffee to suit local tastes, and this experimentation led to the development of countless brewing methods, from the drip coffee favoured in America to the siphon brewing techniques popular in Japan.
Today, these Brewing Methods offer coffee lovers endless ways to enjoy their favourite beverage in the comfort of their homes or at our cafes. 😉 Check out the various home brewing equipment we have on our webstore.
The rise of Coffeehouses
The 20th century saw a culture revival for coffeehouses. The modern coffee shop became a place for friends to catch up and community conversations. Leading coffee brands popularised the concept of a ‘third place’ to drink coffee which wasn't home or office but just a place to relax and socialise.
These spots also became a space for creative individuals to host open mics, book reading sessions to live music. Today, there are multiple coffee shops which have their own unique twist to it. Like our Ballycoolin Cafe Experience – where you can see our coffee getting roasted while sipping on your favourite coffee.
Sustainability and Ethical Sourcing
We make regular trips to origin countries to meet the farmers and strengthen our relationship with them. By building these connections, we gain a deeper understanding of the conditions at origin and can better support the farmers, their families, and their communities. Over the years, we’ve visited countries like Sumatra, Rwanda, Colombia, Costa Rica, Ethiopia, and Brazil, among others.
We ensure our farmers are treated fairly and work under ethical conditions. This is not a trend, but a necessary shift the coffee industry needs to ensure that coffee benefits both – people and the planet.
Future Trends
Looking ahead, the future of coffee is filled with exciting possibilities. Specialty Coffee continues to grow in popularity, with consumers seeking out single-origin beans, unique flavour profiles, and artisanal brewing techniques.
Technology is also playing a larger role, with Smart Coffee Machines and apps that allow for precise brewing at home. Additionally, there is a growing interest in sustainable and plant-based alternatives, such as oat milk lattes and biodegradable coffee pods.
Coffee has come a long way and has truly become a global language which connects us all. In many ways, coffee is more than just a beverage – it’s a lifestyle, a symbol of connection and creativity that continues to inspire people all over the world.