Coffee-growing countries
Currently, there are approximately 60 worldwide, all located in the so-called coffee belt around the equator, 23° north and 25° south of the largest latitude. We don't know exactly what impact climate change will have on cultivation and processing, and indeed on the entire value chain, and what things will look like in 50 years, but for many of today's coffee-growing countries, the future looks alarming, or even dramatic – coffee cultivation may no longer be possible there in the future.
Others, however, can benefit from weather changes, as they suddenly have more intense rainfall, longer dry periods, warmer temperatures, or fewer pests. And so it's possible that in the future we'll not only be able to enjoy coffee from current growing regions, but perhaps also from new ones, such as Argentina, Uruguay, or even Portugal. Coffee 2050 - where will it grow? Who will cultivate it? Philipp takes a look into the crystal ball.
Varieties, post-harvest processing and the market
In this series on coffee-growing countries, we focus on the different national varieties, traditional and modern post-harvest processes, the characteristic flavor properties of the regions, the prevailing weather conditions, and the typicity of the soil. We look at the exchanges in New York and London, compare prices from recent years, and put coffee sales in relation to gross domestic product.
History of coffee
And so we don't want to forget the history of coffee. Politically, economically, and in terms of taste, our universal pick-me-up has had its ups and downs. For instance, sumptuary laws in the 18th century repeatedly aimed to ban this exotic, energizing (or energy-draining?) hot beverage – albeit unsuccessfully. Coffee is deep colonial history, with many dark and dubious stories from the past - as well as from the present. Postcolonialism is also something we address.
Who's behind the coffee?
Finally, we turn our attention to influential personalities who have advanced coffee in their country, pioneered its development and continue to do so, and stand up for coffee and its culture. Companies that don't just talk about a better future, but create one through their values and their actions.
Because coffee is not just a pick-me-up. Coffee is emotion, hard work, development policy, passion, taste, vision, climate policy, and much more.
