history of costa rica
In the late 1700s, coffee was introduced directly from Ethiopia in the Central Valley of Costa Rica, which had an ideal climate and soil for coffee production. When Costa Ricans declared independence in 1821 from Spain, coffee production became a central export supported by the Costa Rican government, surpassing tobacco, sugar, and cacao production.
Coffee production provided the potential to move farmers out of poverty. After launching direct shipments to the United Kingdom in 1843, the British began heavily investing in the Costa Rican coffee industry, remaining the nation’s principal consumer until World War II. The tax revenue generated from the coffee industry helped to transform Costa Rica into a modern nation by providing funding for new roads, academic advancement, development of railroads, introduction of an electric lighting system, and the building of the National Theater.
Though Costa Rica experienced great success initially, local farmers began to face challenges of economic security in the wake of the global depression of the 1930s and struggled to keep up with growing demand for the product.
Out of these struggles, the Costa Rican government created what is today known as the Institute of Costa Rican Coffee (ICAFE), which serves as a regulatory institution and mediator for the industry.
By 1973, Costa Rica topped the list of worldwide producers for both productivity and quality, and the nation has mandated the growth of only Arabica coffee varieties. This insistence on quality, along with the government’s support for fair trade “ensures that the revenue generated by exports is distributed proportionally among producers, millers, and exporters,” (known as the liquidation system). This sets the nation apart from coffee producers worldwide.
Costa Rica has led the way in third wave coffee with a focus on certified organic coffees, Fair Trade certification, and endorsements from Rainforest Alliance for their exemplary agricultural and environmental practices.
Our Costa Rican Coffees
Café Monteverde Selection
from $15.50
Coffee Traders is a partner in Café Monteverde, an association of 18 families with deep roots in coffee, agriculture, conservation, and education.
For every pound of Monteverde coffee sold at our shops in the United States, we send a dollar back to the community in Monteverde to be used in social programs, environmental initiatives, or local projects.
Coffee Traders’ owners Beth and Rc Beall have their very own farm in Monteverde, Costa Rica. From the planting of seeds to the roasting of beans, this is a Coffee Traders coffee through and through.