jamaica coffee history

                                                   Jamaica Coffee History

Blue Mountain coffee  claim its origin from a decision taken by a French King in the 18^th century. In 1723, King Louis XV sent three coffee plants to the country of Martinique – another lush fertile land 1,900 kilometers south of Jamaica.
Coffee has been grown in Jamaica from the 18^th century when it was introduced in the island by the then governor, Sir Nicholas Lawes who received a gift of coffee plants from the Governor of Martinique. From that these Arabica coffee plants, an exquisite coffee was introduced to the world. These plants were nurtured and a plantation developed in Temple Hall, Jamaica.  Since then the industry has had its ups and downs, but has remained a unique crop that is as synonymous with Jamaica as Bob Marley and reggae.


After the Second World War, the Japanese economy developed very rapidly and by the late 1960’s the economy became the second largest in the world, with an export sector that was driven by technology. The Japanese were enjoying a high level of prosperity which resulted in high levels of disposable income and the consumers demanded quality products. They travelled more, ate at fine restaurants and after the Blue Mountain® coffee was introduced, the Japanese society quickly acquired the taste for it and became the world’s second largest importer of coffee with one of the highest per capita consumption rates.  After that, the gourmet coffee Jamaica Blue Mountain® became the coffee of choice in Japan and the demand grew. By 1980, there were seven major trading houses in Jamaica purchasing Jamaica Blue Mountain® for the Japanese market. Today Jamaica exports over 75% of its total production of coffee to Japan where the brew retails for up to US$20.00 per cup. The product is primarily sold in supermarkets and department stores where it receives premium frontage and exposure. The majority of Jamaica Blue Mountain is used for blending as a method to improve the taste of inferior coffees while maximizing revenue potential.