Mexico

History

Coffee was introduced to Mexico in the late 18th century, arriving in the state of Veracruz via Cuba around 1740. While small-scale cultivation began shortly thereafter, the industry did not reach significant export volumes until the 1870s. By the 1980s, coffee had become a vital economic pillar, though the sector later faced severe challenges from coffee leaf rust, which caused significant production declines and prompted a shift toward robusta varieties for the soluble coffee market. Despite these pressures, Mexico has maintained its status as a global leader in organic coffee production, supported by a vast network of smallholder farmers and indigenous cooperatives. Today, the industry is concentrated in southern states like Chiapas, Veracruz, and Puebla, where ongoing investments in disease-resistant plants and farm management are driving a modern focus on both specialty quality and industrial output.