咖啡远行记

Core Insights - Coffee is the second largest beverage globally, with an average daily consumption of approximately 2.25 billion cups, playing a significant role in the world economy [1] Group 1: Origin and Historical Context - The origin of coffee traces back to ancient Ethiopia, where a shepherd named Kaldi discovered the energizing effects of a plant with red fruits [2] - Coffee spread to the Arab world in the 6th century, where it was cultivated and named "qahwa," meaning "Arabian wine" [2] - A theft of coffee seeds in the late 17th century led to the establishment of coffee plantations in the Netherlands, marking the beginning of global coffee trade [3] Group 2: Brazil's Dominance in Coffee Production - Brazil is the largest coffee producer and exporter, expected to produce 58.81 million bags (each bag weighing 60 kg) in the 2024-2025 season, accounting for 33.3% of global production [4] - The introduction of coffee to Brazil in the early 18th century led to its rapid expansion, with the first Brazilian coffee entering the European market in 1818 [4][5] - Brazil's favorable climate and government support have significantly contributed to its coffee industry's growth, making it a key player in the global market [5] Group 3: Economic Challenges and Coffee Crisis - The coffee industry in Brazil has faced crises due to price volatility influenced by international factors, leading to significant economic challenges [6] - The "coffee crisis" in the late 19th and early 20th centuries saw Brazil's overproduction lead to a market collapse, prompting government intervention to stabilize prices [7] - The outbreak of World War I and the rise of coffee production in Central America further exacerbated Brazil's coffee market struggles, resulting in a decline in its market share in the U.S. [8]