Where coffee grows

Do you know the feeling of waking for work, closing your eyes and letting coffee's aroma carry your imagination somewhere warmer and more exotic than the office? We teleport ourselves to tropical hills where red Arabica cherries ripen. We love travelling, even when it is difficult, so today we invite you on a journey around the world — following coffee, of course.

The Coffee Belt — where does coffee thrive?

To find where coffee grows, look to the Coffee Belt, the region between the Tropics of Cancer and Capricorn. More than 70 countries offer favourable conditions for Arabica and Robusta. Familiar names include Brazil, Colombia, Ethiopia, Kenya and Honduras, but coffee also grows in Vietnam, India, Cameroon, Rwanda and Indonesia.

A tropical climate offers relatively stable temperatures, broadly between 15°C and 30°C over the year. Distinct wet and dry seasons allow cherries to develop with adequate moisture and workers to harvest when rain is less disruptive. Altitude matters too: many coffees flourish at around 1,000–2,000 metres. Cooler mountain conditions can also discourage some pests and insects.

Although Coffee Belt climates share similarities, small differences between farms produce very different flavours. Terrain, soil minerals and exposure to sunlight are just some deciding factors. Let us look at the regions that supply beans prized by connoisseurs.

African roots

The home of coffee lies in Africa. The east of the continent — Ethiopia, Kenya, Tanzania and Rwanda — supplies excellent coffees for both blends and single-origin offerings. They are often known for bright acidity and floral or fruity aromas that give the cup intensity and liveliness.

Ethiopia is considered a mecca for lovers of fine beans. Arabica dominates its small family farms, many at 1,500–2,200 metres above sea level. To taste its character, brew aromatic Ethiopia Djimmah: each sip feels like an immersion in Africa's warmth.

Coffee with a Maradona-style kick — South and Central America

Coffee is inseparable from the cultures of South and Central America. Farms established over centuries now supply many interesting and popular coffees. Colombia and Venezuela offer rich experiences for anyone exploring coffee-growing landscapes. Colombia's evergreen Coffee Triangle and famous Cocora Valley are associated with a wider landscape celebrated internationally, including through UNESCO recognition.

What does the coffee taste like? Gentle Brazilian beans with bittersweet chocolate notes are among our favourites. Coffees from Guatemala and Honduras are equally appealing, with complex flavours and smoky or caramel notes.

To bring the continent's joy to your morning cup, try gently fruity Brazil Santos or a master of balance, Colombia Excelso.

Asia — an unexpected ally for coffee lovers

Do not overlook Asia when travelling the Coffee Belt. Sumatra's jungle, northern Vietnam's terraced fields and southern Indian hills washed by monsoon rain all produce coffees valued by connoisseurs.

Expect a bold, almost vibrant bouquet, full body and a readily noticeable dark-chocolate finish. An example? Our Indian Exclusive Blend, whose caffeine kick and smoky, almond-like aromas can help carry you through even a demanding day.

We hope this brief journey encourages further exploration. For those ready to experience the distinctive aroma of Ethiopia or the complex bouquet of Honduras, we have prepared a coffee set featuring Africa, South America and Central America. Find your favourite coffee destination!

Reveal your coffee bouquet, and we will tell you where you are from