How did the coffee industry change in the 19th century?

The 19th century was a period of radical expansion for the coffee industry, shifting it from a niche product for the elite to a staple of the global diet. Before this era, coffee was often expensive and difficult to transport, limiting its reach. However, the Industrial Revolution brought steamships and improved rail networks, which drastically reduced the time and cost required to move green coffee from tropical plantations to European and American ports.

This logistical revolution encouraged the rapid expansion of coffee cultivation in regions like Brazil, which began its ascent to becoming the world's largest producer. As supply increased, the price of coffee dropped, allowing it to become a daily necessity for the growing urban working class. This shift necessitated new ways of processing and roasting coffee on a larger scale, moving away from small-batch, artisanal methods toward industrial-scale production.

Culturally, the 19th century solidified the role of the coffee house as a center for social and political discourse. In cities across Europe and the Americas, these establishments became the 'penny universities' where people from all walks of life could gather. The industry also began to see the early stages of branding and mass marketing, as companies sought to differentiate their products in an increasingly crowded marketplace. By the end of the century, the foundation for the modern, globalized coffee supply chain had been firmly established, setting the stage for the specialty coffee movement that would follow in the 20th century.