Costa Rica

Coffee first arrived in Costa Rica in 1729 from Cuba and it was the first country to begin growing coffee on a commercial basis. 12% of the Costa Rican population now work in the coffee industry and only Arabica coffee beans are grown here (it's illegal to grow Robusta!). Costa Rica has invested in new mechanical equipment which allows farmers to improve efficiency, this allows coffee beans grown at high altitude to become cost effective. Costa Rican coffee is controlled by the countries regulating body 'Instituto del Cafe de Costa Rica' (ICAFE). SCACR represents the high quality lots which are auctioned 'cup of excellence' style.