The history of coffee in Andalusia: from the port of Seville to the Catunambú legacy

How did coffee come to Andalusia?

Although coffee originated in Ethiopia and its commercial expansion began in the Middle East, it was through maritime trade with the Americas and Africa that coffee reached Spain. The port of Seville , specifically, played a crucial role in its entry.

During the 17th and 18th centuries, Seville was a vibrant, cosmopolitan city and a strategic hub for international trade. During this time, the first mentions of coffee began to appear in the city's social gatherings, literary circles, and bourgeois homes.

Furthermore, we can't forget the Arab influence on Andalusian culture, with a strong tradition in the art of infusions. All of this meant that coffee found a natural place to take root in Andalusia.

Cafes and gatherings: the social heart of the south

Throughout the 19th century, cafés became cultural gathering places. In cities like Seville, Cadiz, and Malaga , iconic establishments emerged where people discussed politics, art, literature, and more—over coffee.

The "cafés tertulia" were the perfect place to share ideas and time with friends. Coffee ceased to be just a beverage: it became a symbol of conviviality and culture.

Catunambú: a brand with an Andalusian soul

It was in this context that Catunambú was born, founded in Seville in 1897 by the visionary entrepreneur Juan Ferrer . His goal was clear: to offer top-quality coffee, with a unique aroma and flavor, that would accompany the everyday moments of Andalusians.

The name Catunambú comes from a South American legend about a tribe that brewed the best coffee in the world. A story that connects with the magic, exoticism, and passion that evoke our origins.

Since then, Catunambú has not only kept the tradition of good coffee alive in Andalusia, but has also taken it all over the world.

From yesterday to today: how coffee is experienced in Andalusia

Over time, coffee in Andalusia has evolved. We've moved from the classic roasted coffee to a wider variety of options: single-origin coffees, milder blends, sustainable coffees, capsules, and artisanal methods like the French press or Italian coffee maker.

Still, one thing remains unchanged: the importance of ritual and the passion for sharing a good cup of coffee. And here we are, at Catunambú, innovating without forgetting our roots.

💬 Did you know that…?

• In Andalusia, it's common to order a "sombra," a "nubla," or a "corto." Each term indicates the proportion of coffee and milk, and varies slightly by province.
• Torrefacto coffee, very popular in the south and especially in the hospitality industry, is obtained by adding sugar to the roasting process. This gives it a more intense flavor and a darker color.
• Seville was one of the first European cities to have public cafes, along with London and Paris.

☕ Do you want to taste history?

Here are some of our most representative coffees, perfect for reliving the authentic flavor of the South:

• Catunambú Natural Grain 500g