The year was 1834 — a time when the Industrial Revolution had begun to shape Europe, and trade and craftsmanship were experiencing a golden era. But the story of Terra Coffee dates back two years earlier, to 1832.

At the time, coffee had become one of the most precious and exotic commodities to reach the West, carrying the mystique and flavor of the East. It is well known that for centuries, goods such as spices and coffee were transported to Europe through the Ottoman Empire. One of the key figures in this cultural and commercial bridge was Ebuzerzade Hakkı Efendi, a visionary merchant from a prestigious and deeply rooted trade family in the southeastern region of the Ottoman Empire — a family recognized for its influence and integrity.

While managing his broader trade operations based in Istanbul, Hakkı Efendi had an established commercial relationship with a young Italian trader based in Naples, Giovanni Terra. In 1832, as interest in coffee began to rise across Europe, Hakkı Efendi made a proposal to Giovanni that would shape history: to introduce the rich Ottoman coffee tradition to southern Italy.

At that time, Giovanni had no prior knowledge of coffee — in fact, he first encountered coffee beans and brewing techniques through Hakkı Efendi. Inspired by his vision and the cultural depth of the product, Giovanni joined the venture. Coincidentally, Giovanni’s surname, Terra, meaning earth in Italian, aligned perfectly with the nature of coffee itself — grown from the earth, cultivated by hands, and deeply connected to the land. It was the perfect name for the brand they would create.

Between 1832 and 1834, Hakkı Efendi introduced carefully selected beans, traditional roasting methods, and a new way of presenting coffee to the people of Naples. Giovanni Terra, using his local connections, helped spread this culture throughout the region.

In 1834, their collaboration was officially established as Terra Coffee — a name that honored both the people behind it and the soil that gave coffee life.

Today, Terra Coffee is more than just a brand. It is the continuation of a cultural journey and a family legacy. The tradition that began with Ebuzerzade Hakkı Efendi now lives on through his grandson,  a modern entrepreneur who proudly carries this heritage forward in Scotland, United Kingdom. Under his leadership, Terra Coffee continues to thrive as a symbol of quality, authenticity, and the timeless connection between people, coffee, and the land.