Origins & Rise
Coffee arrived in Sri Lanka (then Ceylon) as early as the 17th-18th century. Under British colonial rule in the 19th century, the island’s plantation industry expanded rapidly. By around 1870, Ceylon cultivated over 100,000 hectares of coffee and was among the world’s leading coffee producers.
Coffee briefly dominated the export economy, and “coffee mania” became a part of local history.
Fall, Diverse Shift & Tea Transition
This golden period didn’t last. In the 1860s and 1870s the fungal disease Hemileia vastatrix (coffee leaf rust) devastated coffee plantations. The result: many estates switched to tea, and Sri Lanka’s coffee output dramatically declined. Tea became the dominant export.
This shift meant that while coffee didn’t vanish entirely, Ceylon lost its place as a major coffee-export origin, and its heritage nearly became hidden.
Modern Revival & Specialty Movement
Fast-forward to the 21st century: a revival is underway. Because global demand for specialty Arabica coffee is rising, Sri Lanka’s highland terroir, rich soils and shade-grown potential make it an emerging player.
The Market Development Facility (MDF) reports that Sri Lanka’s specialty Arabica market is ripe for growth, with smallholder farmers generating quality beans and the value-chain being upgraded.
At the same time, industry analysts project positive growth in the specialty coffee segment, though volumes are still small.
Growing, Processing & Terroir – How Ceylon Coffee Is Made
Growing Regions & Altitude
Sri Lanka’s key growing regions include Uva, Badulla, Kandy, Nuwara Eliya and the central highlands which provide elevation, shade, volcanic soils and the climate suited to Arabica. Many producers are smallholders, often cultivating coffee alongside other crops, which promotes biodiversity and sustainable practices.
Processing Styles
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Washed Process: Cooling cherries are pulped, washed, and sun-dried. Yields clean, crisp cups.
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Honey Process: Mucilage remains on beans during drying; yields natural sweetness and depth.
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Natural Process: Whole cherries are dried intact — bold, fruity, expressive.
These processing methods, when applied in Sri Lanka, result in flavor profiles unique to the island’s conditions.
Flavor Fingerprint
Ceylon Arabica is often noted for smooth body, gentle acidity, natural sweetness and refined aroma. Because the volume is still relatively low, the focus tends to be on quality and differentiation rather than mass commodity scale.
Demand, Market Potential & What This Means
While Sri Lanka’s coffee production remains small compared to global giants, the potential for specialty premium is significant. For example:
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Production for smallholder Arabica remains limited, but many farmers are shifting focus to quality rather than quantity.
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Reports indicate Sri Lanka’s coffee sector is poised for specialty growth and export opportunities.
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Export and domestic consumption remain moderate — a report projects modest domestic growth to around 7,100 metric tons by 2028.
For a brand like Coffiato, this creates a strategic advantage: you’re working with origin beans that are rare, have heritage, and are part of a revival story. That story appeals especially to consumers seeking unique, high-quality coffee with provenance.
What This Means for You — The Coffee Lover
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You’re not drinking “just another origin”, you’re connecting with history, terroir and a story of resurgence.
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Because production is relatively limited, each batch tends to be small, special and carefully crafted.
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Flavor-wise: expect refined sweetness, interesting processing differentiation, and a terroir that stands out from the usual origins.
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You can celebrate the story, when someone asks about your coffee, you can share the legacy of Ceylon, its revival, and why it matters.
The Future & Global Positioning
As specialty coffee continues to grow globally, Sri Lanka has the climate, heritage and small-scale ethos to position itself among the rising origins. With better processing, farmer training and investment, the world is beginning to rediscover Ceylon Arabica.
For Coffiato, bringing Ceylon coffee to the world isn’t just about offering beans, it’s about reviving a legacy.
“From one of the world’s largest coffee exporters to near obscurity, and now to premium revival — Sri Lanka’s coffee journey is far from ordinary.”
Coffiato – Moments Begin with Coffee That Matters.
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