Colombia declares coffee national beverage as Congress backs coffee growers and domestic consumption
The new law recognizes coffee as Colombia’s national beverage, strengthening support for growers while promoting domestic consumption, sustainability and the country’s global coffee identity.
COLUMBIA – Colombia’s Congress has officially declared coffee as the country’s national beverage, reinforcing the crop’s cultural and economic significance while strengthening support for more than half a million coffee-growing families.
The announcement coincides with the 98th anniversary of the National Federation of Coffee Growers (FNC) and the country’s annual National Coffee Day celebrations.
The new legislation recognizes coffee as a defining symbol of Colombia and is expected to encourage greater domestic consumption while promoting quality, sustainability and innovation across the sector.
FNC General Manager Germán Bahamón said the law represents more than symbolic recognition for the industry.
“The new law not only honors the product that has become Colombia’s symbol worldwide but also represents a tangible show of support for more than half a million coffee-farming families,” Bahamón said.
He added that the designation is expected to increase domestic coffee consumption while highlighting the importance of producing high-quality, sustainable coffee.
Colombians currently consume around 2.5 kilograms of coffee per person annually, equivalent to approximately 2.2 million 60-kilogram bags.
Industry leaders believe the new designation could further boost consumption through emerging formats such as ready-to-drink coffees, cold brews, coffee-based energy drinks, drips, coffee liqueurs and community-focused coffee events.
The announcement comes as Colombia’s coffee industry continues to record steady growth. Around 557,000 families cultivate coffee across more than 838,000 hectares, while the country’s total coffee farm area exceeds 2.8 million hectares.
Coffee production has also increased significantly. Colombia produced 11.3 million bags in 2023, while production had already reached 13.9 million bags by April 2024, with projections indicating output could reach 14.9 million bags by early 2025.
The sector continues to modernize through extensive crop renewal programmes. Nearly 77,000 hectares of coffee plantations were renovated last year, with about 90,000 hectares expected to be renewed in 2024.
Bahamón noted that 90% of coffee-growing areas now cultivate rust-resistant varieties, helping maintain productivity and quality.
Colombia’s coffee exports also remain strong, with 12.3 million bags shipped to 104 countries. The United States remains the largest export market, followed by Canada, Belgium, Japan, South Korea and China.
Reflecting on the legislation, Bahamón said: “We have spent decades hearing that our footballers, cyclists, and artists are recognized internationally as ‘los cafeteros.’ What better news than to see coffee officially declared our national beverage.”
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