With the support of the Embassy of El Salvador in Seoul, a recent export of 18,975 kg of green coffee marks a significant achievement in positioning Salvadoran coffee in the South Korean market. The export was facilitated by “Café de Don Justo,” a Salvadoran coffee producer with over 20 years of experience in the roasted coffee market. Known for its complex flavor profiles featuring chocolate and citrus acidity, the coffee also bears the unique designation of origin, Tecapa Chinameca.
South Korea, with over 100,000 specialty coffee shops according to the Specialty Coffee Association (SCA), is seen as a prime destination for high-quality coffee exports, offering a substantial opportunity for Salvadoran coffee to gain further market share.
Justo González, Director of Operations at Café de Don Justo, expressed his pride in this achievement: “At Café de Don Justo, we are honored to reach a new destination for our exports, bringing Salvadoran coffee to South Korea. We extend our gratitude to the Economic Counselors of the Embassy in Korea for their support in achieving this opportunity, which will open doors in new markets worldwide.”
Since the implementation of the Free Trade Agreement (FTA) between El Salvador and South Korea, Salvadoran green coffee exports have grown significantly, most notably increasing by 60% in 2022, totaling USD $6.45 million. This rise highlights the benefits of the FTA, which has enabled El Salvador to establish itself as a competitive supplier in the South Korean coffee market.