Salvadoran coffee is gaining popularity in South Korea, with the recent export of 18,975 kg of green coffee beans marking a significant milestone for the country’s coffee industry. Justo González, a seasoned Salvadoran coffee producer with 20 years of experience, was the driving force behind the shipment, which brought the rich, aromatic flavors of El Salvador to Korean consumers.
The export was made possible through the support of the Salvadoran Embassy in South Korea, based in Seoul, and the efforts of González’s company, Café de Don Justo. Known for producing high-quality coffee with complex flavor profiles, Café de Don Justo is renowned for its beans from the Tecapa Chinameca Designation of Origin, which feature chocolatey notes and citric acidity.
“We are proud to bring Café de El Salvador to Korea, and we deeply appreciate the support from the Economic Counselors at the Embassy,” González said. “This opportunity opens new doors for us in global markets and helps further position Salvadoran coffee internationally.”
Café de Don Justo offers a carefully curated selection of beans grown on González’s farm, where varieties such as Bourbon, Pacas, Pacamara, Caturra Amarillo, and Geisha thrive. The company ensures strict traceability and process controls, maintaining high standards in both its roasted and green coffee products.
South Korea is a prime market for Salvadoran coffee, with more than 100,000 coffee shops across the country, according to the Specialty Coffee Association (SCA). This makes the Asian nation an ideal destination for expanding Salvadoran coffee exports. Since the implementation of the Free Trade Agreement (FTA) between El Salvador and South Korea, Salvadoran coffee exports have experienced significant growth. In 2022, coffee exports to South Korea surged by 60%, reaching $6.45 million, underscoring the success of the FTA in positioning El Salvador as a competitive supplier in the Korean market.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs highlighted that this continued growth is a testament to the benefits of the FTA, which has boosted the export of agricultural products, including the world-renowned Salvadoran coffee.