For generations, Guyana has been known for its world-class rum, vast rice fields, and golden Demerara sugar—a trifecta that has shaped its culture, economy, and way of life. In more recent years, oil has taken center stage, ushering in an era of rapid transformation, unprecedented economic growth, and a reimagining of what the country’s future could look like.

Some have even speculated that Guyana is on track to becoming the next Dubai, with new wealth fueling the development of modern cities, high-end real estate, luxury tourism, and an overall shift in lifestyle. But with all this change, one question arises: where does coffee fit into this evolving landscape?

For centuries, rum has been a cornerstone of Guyanese culture—a social staple that accompanies celebrations, business deals, and casual lime spots across the country. But as the nation’s economy grows and international influences take root, we may see a shift toward a more health-conscious, sophisticated lifestyle, much like what happened in oil-rich nations before.

Historically, countries that have experienced rapid economic growth often see an evolution in consumer behavior. The rise of specialty coffee culture in the Middle East, for example, shows how once tea- or alcohol-dominated markets can quickly embrace high-end café experiences, third-wave coffee shops, and a lifestyle built around coffee culture. Could Guyana be next?

With major infrastructure projects on the horizon, new housing developments, and urban expansion, it’s not far-fetched to imagine that modern cafés could begin popping up in Guyana’s newly built cities. As professionals, entrepreneurs, and returning diaspora seek cosmopolitan experiences, the demand for high-quality, locally inspired coffee will naturally increase.

A few key developments could drive this shift:

• Luxury Tourism & Hospitality: High-end hotels, resorts, and business hubs will need premium coffee experiences to cater to their clientele.

• Café Culture as a Social Experience: Just as in other rapidly developing economies, coffeehouses may become the new meeting places, replacing traditional rum shops as the go-to for networking, meetings, and casual outings.

• A Shift Toward Wellness: With newfound wealth often comes an increased focus on health and longevity. This could lead to a decline in alcohol consumption in favor of coffee, teas, and other functional beverages.

Beyond cafés, could Guyana itself become a major player in the specialty coffee industry? The country has the perfect climate and rich agricultural history, yet coffee cultivation has remained relatively small compared to other industries. However, as interest in Caribbean-grown coffee continues to rise, there’s a significant opportunity for Guyanese farmers to tap into the global specialty coffee market.

With Tamana Coffee leading the way in bringing Caribbean coffee to the world stage, there’s immense potential for Guyana to rediscover its own coffee-growing heritage and position itself alongside its better-known rum and sugar industries.

So, how soon will we see these changes?

Given the speed at which Guyana is developing, it may only take a few years before high-end coffee shops, specialty roasters, and third-wave cafés become part of the landscape. As consumer habits shift and the demand for premium, wellness-focused beverages grow, coffee could become a defining feature of the “New Guyana”—a symbol of sophistication, progress, and cultural evolution.

Tamana Coffee is watching closely, excited to be a part of this transformation by keeping the Caribbean coffee tradition alive while embracing the future. Whether in Georgetown, the heart of the diaspora in North America, or the global specialty coffee scene, Tamana is here to connect, celebrate, and uplift Caribbean coffee culture—and Guyana is a big part of that story.

From rum to roasts, from sugar to sustainability—Guyana’s coffee future is brewing.