The import of coffee to Iran dates back to the Safavid era.
At that time, Yemeni coffee beans were brought into Iran through trade between
Shah Tahmasp and the Ottoman Empire. Coffee quickly became a popular beverage
among both the courtiers and the general public, and many coffeehouses were
established in various cities, serving as social hubs for people's gatherings.
Later, tea replaced coffee and became Iranians' primary beverage, which is why
coffee import to Iran has experienced many ups and downs throughout different
periods.
In recent years, however, the popularity of coffee in Iran —
like in other countries around the world — has been on a rising trend.
Coffee is a foreign product. Its cultivation and farming are
not possible in Iran due to the specific growing conditions required.
Major coffee-producing countries include Indonesia,
Colombia, India, Ethiopia, Mexico, the UAE, and Honduras.
To import coffee beans, which are considered a luxury
commodity, the necessary permits must be obtained from the Ministry of Health.
Among coffee-exporting countries, the UAE supplies nearly
half of Iran's imported coffee, followed by Italy, Turkey, and Indonesia as the
largest exporters of coffee to Iran.
