Puerto Rico was among the world leaders in coffee production until it was annexed by the United States in 1898 after which production began to fall in favor of sugar cane. However, coffee has made a comeback as Puerto Rico now produces 10 million pounds annually, most of which is grown around 2,500 feet in elevation in the municipalities of San Sebastian, Lares, and Las Marias in the central and northwest parts of the country.
About one-third of all coffee grown in Puerto Rico is consumed locally with the remainder exported. Puerto Rican coffee is regarded as smooth and relatively sweet.
