How Do Racism and Colonialism Affect the American Coffee Industry?

Coffee is a drink that many people enjoy. As harmless as enjoying a pick-me-up drink can be, coffee is not exempt from exploitation.

Like many other crops, coffee is grown and harvested overseas. The issue is that the increase in demand in the global market affects the countries of origin. When people think of coffee in the United States, they think about Pumpkin Spice Lattes or Iced Coffee. What people do not see under the surface is a history of colonialism.

Where Does the Problem with Racism in the Coffee Industry Lie?

The data behind coffee tells a story of industrial colonialism. In 2020, coffee consumption indicated that Nordic countries are the biggest consumers, listing the Netherlands, Finland, Sweden, and Norway as the top contenders. The data in the article also indicates that while America is not near the top of the list, Americans consume roughly 4 million cups of coffee daily.

In Cory Gilman’s article, the legacy of coffee production traces its origins back to the Atlantic Slave Trade. The European profitability of coffee largely depended on stealing land and forcing natives to work in harsh conditions. Gilman points out that today, 125 million people rely on coffee for their livelihoods in Africa, South America, and Asia but cannot cover the expense of producing the beans or providing for their families. 

Natives of countries where coffee production takes place struggle to provide for their families, which is a sign of the harmful effects of colonialism. The European countries that make up the primary coffee market expose a disruption in the way of life for the countries that produce coffee beans. The long-term effects of colonialism create the perception that these countries are poorer because of a deficiency in their productivity. In reality, European interference has altered the way of life in these coffee-producing countries.

Who Are the Game Changers?

Despite the unethical practices behind coffee production, some people in the industry want to change things for the better.

One such company is Ngyuen Coffee Supply, run by Sahra Ngyuen. The Vietnamese woman-owned business makes a conscious effort to produce locally (New York) grown coffee beans that originated in Vietnam. A crucial part of Nguyen Coffee Supply’s motivation is the hierarchy established by the coffee culture that Vietnamese coffee beans are not as desirable. Instead, Nguyen transforms that perception to rebrand the type of coffee created from the Robusta bean as unique. 

Another prominent figure is Phyllis Johnson, who has written multiple letters to the U.S. Coffee industry on racism. In Johnson’s letters, she asks the coffee industry to consider racial equity when working with black-owned businesses. Likewise, she works to dispel the idea that black and brown communities do not have an interest in the coffee industry and, from that point, created programs that support BIPOC coffee entrepreneurs.

How Can Consumers Help Combat Racism Within the Coffee Industry?

Combating the issues of race in the coffee industry for the consumer starts with the coffee supply chain. The environment that fosters coffee culture can directly relate to how the market treats the humans behind the iconic beverage. 

An article by Umeko Motoyoshi outlines the issues with the coffee industry, defines essential terms, and suggests a few ways to start change. Some points that stand out are facilitating open conversations about anti-blackness in the coffee industry and supporting policy changes that support marginalized communities.

The colonialist history behind coffee has left marginalized communities overseas unable to support their original way of life. Calling out racism in the workplace and through the supply chain where people produce coffee beans can alleviate some of the issues plaguing those communities.

The fight against white supremacy in something as seemingly harmless as coffee appears to be a challenging job. At the same time, it is a cause worth fighting for. Dismantling racism in the coffee industry will take some work. Nevertheless, the hope of one day restoring the way of life for overseas communities and consuming coffee ethically is sooner than one might think. 

drinking coffee

Photo by Nathan Dumlao on Unsplash

Aidan Wong

I am a queer writer of color who loves exploring the various aspects of our world. I earned my MA in English Literature from California State University Long Beach. In my free time, I'm a huge foodie who always wants to try new foods and a gamer who loves playing with many people. My Instagram handle is @aidanwxng.

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