What Is To Know About Colombian Coffee's Footprint In The US?

As National Coffee Day is almost here (this year is celebrated on Sept. 29), Latin America's diverse coffee culture is represented by brews, beans and concoctions from all over the continent, especially from Colombia, one of the Meccas of this drink.

Colombia is enriched by the everyday aroma of warm native coffee, where el tinto is not only savored during times like Medias Nueves (elevenses) or Onces (a snack mid-afternoon) but it has become a lifestyle. The blend of coffee and culture together goes beyond just being a beverage, as a result of this the Colombian drink has led to popularity in the United States.

This Encanto is known for its breath-taking landscapes, hard-working people, delicious food, and unique culture, but a key element that makes up this land is the love for Coffee.

Los Cafeteros (coffee growers) have been cultivating coffee beans since the early 19th century. Due to the country's geographical land that provides the best climate and soil it contributed to Colombia being a top coffee producer. The farmers are very prideful when it comes to their cultivation, their production of arabica beans is deeply based on their customs and culture. The U.S. started to feel Colombian coffee's presence in the mid 20th century.

Juan Valdez – a fictional character – was the first coffee brand to make a significant impact in the United States. The National Federation of Coffee Growers of Colombia (FNC) released the marketing campaign in 1958 which played a pivotal role in popularizing the brand around the globe but especially in the states. The premium coffee brand was such a big success it led to the opening of its first store in 2002 at Bogota's El Dorado International Airport.

With the grand entrance that Juan Valdez made in the U.S. it permitted more Colombian coffee brands to be imported. Sello Rojo, Nescafé, Café Quindío, Café la Bastilla, Colcafé, and Café Aguila Roja were a few of the freshly established brands introduced.

In 2015 FNC stated in a press release, "According to the National Coffee Drinking Trends (NCDT) study by the National Coffee Association (NCA), 85% of Americans recognize Colombia as a coffee-producing country. Comparatively, Brazil is recognized by 67%, and Costa Rica, Kenya and Vietnam by 59%, 33% and 16% of respondents, respectively. The study ranks Colombia as the most widely recognized coffee-producing country in the USA. Colombia also keeps leading perception of quality associated with origin: 96% of American consumers say Colombian coffee is good or excellent."

Although Starbucks, Dunkin', and Folgers are a few of the top U.S. coffee brands, they all have one thing in common and that is that they sell Colombian coffee. Due to a mix of direct trade connections and the finest beans, the coffee exports to the United States continue to flourish.

"The United States remains the largest importer of Colombian coffee with over 40 percent of the market share" states the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Work sites, grocery markets, and cafes are part of the many places in which you can find these coffee origins.

This warm and comfy drink has left a footprint on the U.S. as it has become part of their everyday life. American coffee-lovers consume just over 3 cups per day. Colombian culture – known to enjoy coffee throughout the day and frequently with others at social occasions – has deeply influenced Americans to turn their coffee breaks into a daily routine.

El café colombiano's smooth and rich taste is one that many do not forget. Although the taste is exquisite, it also allows you to sip into the history of "The Land of Coffee."