Where Does Coffee Come From?

Before it reaches your cup, your coffee goes on a journey made up of many steps. All these steps have an impact on the beans, including the region and climate in which they’re grown.​

Almost all the world’s coffee grows in the Coffee Belt. The Coffee Belt circles the earth, falling between the Tropics of Cancer and Capricorn. There are more than 70 coffee-producing countries around the world, and Starbucks buys coffee from more than 30 of them. The cultures, landscapes and growing methods vary by country, contributing to different coffee flavors.​

The Coffee Belt is divided into three main growing regions: Latin America, Africa and Asia/Pacific. We responsibly source, roast and blend coffees from each of these three regions to bring you unique coffees.​

Just like tea or wine, coffee gets much of its flavor from where it comes from. Each of these growing regions has different growing conditions and traditions that affect the overall flavor of the coffee.

Latin American coffees are the foundation of many of our most beloved blends. We buy more coffee from this region than any other because of its consistent taste and quality. This region has many different microclimates, soils and processing traditions. Costa Rica, for example, is known for its volcanoes, which enrich the high-altitude soil with volcanic ash.​

So, what kind of flavors can you expect from a Latin American coffee? As you sip, you’ll discover delicious notes of nuts, cocoa and soft spice.

Africa teems with breathtaking geographic diversity, tropical grasslands, ancient crater lakes and dense rainforests. It’s also home to landscapes that produce some of the world’s most celebrated coffees, including Ethiopia, the birthplace of coffee. ​ ​

When you brew a coffee from Africa, look out for vibrant, lush flavors ranging from citrus to berry.

The large Asia/Pacific region is home to coffees with big and bold flavors that aren’t found anywhere else. Including Indonesia, China, Papua New Guinea, Vietnam, Thailand and India, the region encompasses a wide range of climates, topographies and distinctive coffees.​ ​

Brewing a coffee from the Asia/Pacific region? You’re in for a treat. You’re likely to discover coffee that’s full-bodied and syrupy smooth with herbal, earthy flavors.

The origin of your coffee makes a difference to how it tastes. While enjoying your next cup of Starbucks^® coffee at home, take a look at where it was grown—in Latin America, Africa or Asia/Pacific.​ ​

Pay attention to the taste of your coffee as you slowly sip and see if you can notice the impact of the region on its flavor. Take a moment to really taste your coffee and let it transport you around the world.