Aceh coffee originated from the Netherlands brought by a Dutch businessman in the XVII century through Batavia (now Jakarta) and then into Aceh. The first coffee introduced was Arabica type coffee which later developed with a more diverse type.
In the world, coffee can be divided into 2 groups by type, namely Arabica coffee and Robusta coffee. In Aceh these two types of coffee are cultivated by the local community. Arabica coffee is commonly cultivated in the highlands of Gayo Land, including Takengon, Southeast Aceh, and Gayo Lues. While in Pidie (mainly Tangse and Geumpang) and Aceh Barat, people prefer to develop Robusta coffee.
Aceh's lush natural conditions, combined with favorable weather, have made Aceh's coffee plants thrive into a high-quality, profitable commodity. Indonesia is the world's fourth largest exporter of coffee beans, and Aceh is one of the largest coffee producers capable of producing about 40% of the premium Arabica beans of total coffee harvest in Indonesia.