Myanmar

History

Coffee cultivation in Myanmar dates back to the late 19th century, when the crop was introduced by British colonists and missionaries around 1885. For decades, the industry remained largely underdeveloped due to political instability, military rule, and economic isolation. A significant shift occurred in 2014, when international organizations like USAID, the UNODC, and the Coffee Quality Institute began supporting a transition from illicit poppy cultivation to specialty coffee production. This initiative led to the formation of the Myanmar Coffee Association and the first specialty-grade exports in 2016. Despite the disruption caused by the 2021 military coup, the country has maintained a presence in the global specialty market through the continued efforts of local cooperatives and farmers.