Did you know that coffee is the second most consumed beverage on the planet (second only to water)? The world drinks 2.25 billion cups a day, with consumpt
Did you know that coffee is the second most consumed beverage on the planet (second only to water)? The world drinks 2.25 billion cups a day, with consumption patterns as diverse as the producing countries.
Today is World Coffee Day, and we think it’s the perfect date to explore how this drink moves the planet. So, in this article, we’re going to map habits by region, highlight curiosities and explain how these trends influence the global market.
If you work in the commodities sector, understanding this panorama is essential to making more assertive decisions. Happy reading!
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While Ethiopia is recognized as the place where coffee originated, the entire African continent has unique consumption dynamics. In South Africa, coffee has rapidly gained ground among the urban middle class, with Johannesburg and Cape Town becoming hubs for specialized coffee shops.
In Algeria, on the other hand, despite being a country that traditionally consumes tea, coffee has gained popularity. Especially among young people, influenced by colonial French culture.
In countries like Uganda and Côte d’Ivoire, where production is significant and, interestingly, domestic consumption is still low. Most production is destined for export.
The United States is the largest consumer market in absolute value. Unlike in the coffee-growing regions of Brazil and Colombia, where black, strong coffee predominates, Americans have turned coffee into a personalized experience. As such, they produce infinite variations of aromas, intensities and preparations.
In Brazil, the second largest global consumer, 51.1% of the population prefers pure coffee. The tradition of brewed coffee remains strong, even with the growing popularity of home espresso machines and the specialty coffee market.
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In Vietnam, during periods of scarcity, creative methods were developed such as coffee with beaten egg (to replace milk) and even salted versions. Today, the country not only maintains these traditions, but has become the second largest exporter of robusta coffee with a growing domestic consumption.
Meanwhile, in China, consumption has grown by almost 150% in the last ten years, driven by the younger generation. It is possible to reach 6.3 million bags consumed in the 2024/2025 harvest, with Brazil being the main beneficiary.
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In the Nordic countries, coffee is indispensable. In Finland, the world record holder for per capita consumption, “kahvitauko” breaks are sacred in both offices and homes.
In Italy, the birthplace of espresso, the coffee culture manifests itself on the busy benches of bars, where locals drink their coffee quickly and standing up. Turkey, on the other hand, offers perhaps the most ceremonial experience. The method of brewing in a cezve (a small copper pot), also known as Turkish coffee, and the habit of reading the coffee grounds: both have been recognized as Intangible Cultural Heritage by UNESCO.
Curiously, however, while Europeans consume around 30% of the world’s coffee – thus considered the largest market for the product when we look at the bloc, revealing its dependence on imports.
Australia and New Zealand have not only embraced coffee culture, they have reinvented it. While the apartment white has become an Australian symbol, New Zealanders have developed a specialty coffee scene that rivals any European capital.
In New Zealand, coffee is such a part of the national identity that even small towns like Wellington have their own artisan roasters.
In Sydney and Melbourne, the density of quality coffee shops is so high that competition has led to exceptional standards. Today, most establishments serve exclusively single origin beans or premium blends.
Coffee is a cultural experience. In every corner of the world, traditions and innovations blend together, creating unique forms of preparation and flavor. Get to know some of them in more detail:
In Ethiopia, the drink is prepared in a ritual that can last for hours. The process begins with the manual roasting of the grains over hot coals, the aroma of which is mixed with incense.
The coffee is then ground with a pestle and prepared in an earthenware jar called a jebena. The guests drink three rounds – each with a different spiritual meaning.
Australia recently gave the world the apartment white. Unlike traditional cappuccino, this version has a more velvety microfoam and a higher proportion of coffee. The technical perfection of Australian baristas has raised global quality standards.
In northern Sweden, it’s common to find “kaffeost” – cubes of dairy cheese dipped directly into hot coffee. The combination, which may seem strange to foreign eyes, creates a unique balance between the bitterness of the coffee and the sweetness of the melted cheese.
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Coffee supply chains are notoriously sensitive to global events. The Red Sea crisis in 2024, for example, forced detour that raised logistics costs, especially for Europe. At the same time, what happens in the world also impacts access to markets, import/export tariffs and investments in the sector.
Recently, the main commodity producers have been on the list of countries hit by the new US tariffs, with Brazil and Colombia entering the 10% base tariffs, but others on the list of “worst offenders”, as in the case of Vietnam, which could have duties of up to 46% on its products.
The differences in tariffs could lead to changes in the marketing of coffee around the world, since the US is the largest consumer of the bean. The new tariffs could raise the price of coffee for Americans. The country’s imports (and demand) are likely to suffer over the course of 2025.
To navigate this complex market, producers and traders are adopting:
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From the solemn Ethiopian ritual to the dynamism of Asian coffee shops, coffee continues to evolve while maintaining its role as a strategic commodity.
For professionals in the sector, understanding these cultural and economic nuances goes beyond mere curiosity. It is also an essential tool for making informed decisions in an increasingly interconnected market.
Want to understand more about how global coffee trends impact the commodities market? Talk to our experts!
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