Coffee’s story begins deep in the lush highlands of Ethiopia, in the ancient coffee forests where it is said to have been first discovered.

Legend tells us of Kaldi, a humble goat herder, who noticed something unusual one day as he tended to his flock.

His goats, after eating the bright red berries from a nearby tree, became unusually energetic - leaping about and refusing to sleep through the night.

Intrigued, Kaldi sampled the berries himself, soon feeling the same invigorating effect.

Seeking guidance, he brought his discovery to a local monastery, where the abbot brewed a drink from the berries.

He, too, found it remarkable, realizing that this new beverage kept him alert through the long hours of evening prayer.

The discovery was shared with other monks, and word quickly spread, sparking the beginning of a tradition that would transcend time and borders.

As the story traveled beyond Ethiopia, it found fertile ground on the Arabian Peninsula, where coffee cultivation took root in the 15th century.


It wasn’t long before the beverage gained popularity not only for its unique flavour, but for its ability to energise the body and mind.

The bustling coffee houses of Yemen, known as qahveh khaneh, became centers of social and intellectual exchange.

In these spaces, coffee was more than just a drink - it was a cultural experience, bringing people together to share ideas, listen to music, and stay informed about current events.

The rise of these coffee houses transformed coffee into a symbol of connection and conversation.

Pilgrims visiting the holy city of Mecca carried the beverage back to their homelands, helping spread it across Persia, Egypt, and the Ottoman Empire, where it became an essential part of daily life.

By the 17th century, coffee had arrived in Europe, where it quickly became a cultural staple.

Despite initial resistance from some, who referred to it as the “bitter invention of Satan,” coffee soon gained the approval of Pope Clement VIII.

From the coffee houses of Venice to the penny universities of London, where patrons could buy a cup for a penny and engage in lively debate, the drink fuelled both social life and intellectual discourse.

As coffee spread throughout the world, its cultivation expanded beyond Arabia.

The Dutch successfully cultivated coffee in Java, and from there, it reached the tropical climates of South and Central America, where coffee plantations flourished.

By the 18th century, coffee was one of the world’s most sought-after commodities - a status it still holds today.