Peruvian Coffee Day Date in the current year: August 23, 2024

Coffee originated in Africa, but today it is cultivated in other parts of the world that have favorable climatic conditions, ranging from Latin America to Southeast Asia. Coffee was brought to the New World during European colonization and has been naturalized in Brazil, Colombia, Costa Rica, Peru, and Venezuela. Almost half of the world’s coffee crop is grown in South America.

The first reference to Peru as a coffee-producing country dates back to the 19th century. As a matter of fact, Peruvians started to grow coffee long before that, but it was produced mostly for domestic consumption. It wasn’t until 1887 that Peru began to export coffee. The first importers of Peruvian coffee were England and Germany.

Today, Peru is one of the major coffee producers in the world, as well as one of the largest exporters of Arabica. Most of the Peruvian coffee is produced by small farms that make up the CENFROCAFE cooperative. Over 90% of all coffee marketed through CENFROCAFE is organic and 100% is Fair Trade certified. Most Peruvian coffee producers are guided by the principle of quality over quantity.

The biggest consumers of Peruvian coffee include Belgium, Colombia, Germany, Sweden, and the United States. Interestingly, domestic consumption of coffee in Peru is very low but it has been growing over the past years, primarily among young people. Independent coffee shops and specialty roasters are becoming increasingly popular, and Starbucks operates more than 100 locations across the country.

Peruvian Coffee Day has been celebrated annually since 2008. It was established by the Ministry of Agricultural Development and Irrigation of Peru to raise the profile of Peruvian coffee, promote the consumption of the beverage, and support the Peruvian coffee industry, especially small farmers that practice organic farming. Industry events held on Peruvian Coffee Day give coffee growers a platform to introduce their produce to consumers and provide them with networking opportunities.

Peruvian Coffee Day events include, but are not limited to, various expos, fairs, coffee festivals, and free tastings held throughout the country. There Peruvians and foreign tourists can enjoy delicious Peruvian coffee, as well as learn more about its history, cultivation and the people who produce coffee beans. Many Peruvian coffee shops give out free coffee or offer other promotions to their customers to celebrate the holiday.

Coffee isn’t the only product that Peruvians have a special holiday for. They also celebrate National Potato Day to raise awareness of the fact that Peru is home of the potato; National Pisco Day and National Pisco Sour Day in honor of Peru’ signature beverage and a cocktail made with it; and National Ceviche Day to recognize a South American seafood dish that originated in Peru.