Yemen

History

Coffee cultivation in Yemen began around the 15th century, with Sufi monks initially using the beverage to sustain themselves during religious rituals. By the 16th century, the port of Mokha emerged as the primary global gateway for the coffee trade, allowing Yemen to maintain a virtual monopoly on production for over 200 years. This dominance eventually waned in the 18th century as European colonial powers successfully established coffee plantations in regions like Java. Following a long period of decline in global market share, the Yemeni coffee industry has seen a revitalization over the last two decades. This modern resurgence is driven by a new generation of entrepreneurs and coffee companies focused on highlighting the country's unique heirloom varieties and traditional terrace farming practices to the specialty market.