Coffee is an important part of everyday life, and few can deny the daily ritual of enjoying a delicious cup of hot beverage. But, which countries drink the most coffee? Surveys and data suggest that some countries are keen coffee drinkers, while others are choosing to curb the habit.
According to the International Coffee Organization, a cuppa is the favorite hot beverage of many Europeans and Americans. In fact, the average consumption rate for coffee for adults in the United States is around 3.1 cups of coffee per day.
In Europe, Italy is the top coffee consuming country with an average of 4.2 cups per day. Norway and Belgium follow, with 3.4 cups and 3.3 cups, respectively. Germans also drink many cups of coffee, averaging 2.7 cups a day.
The Republic of Finland takes the top spot for the most coffee consumption at 10.6 kg per capita per year, followed by Norway at 9.9 kg. Sweden is close behind at 9.5 kg per capita per year.
At the global level, the top two producers of coffee are Brazil and Vietnam respectively. The top two consumers of coffee are the United States and Germany, followed by France, Japan, Italy, Canada, and the United Kingdom.
In the Middle East, citizens consume a fairly large amount of coffee. The Turkish consume the most, at 3.6 cups per day on average, while Egypt follows close behind with 3.0 cups per day.
While these countries may be the top coffee drinkers, some countries don’t consume any coffee at all. Some African countries, such as Nigeria and Tanzania, don’t consume any coffee, or have a very low average.
Australians are known for their love of coffee, but despite their reputation, they’re actually not in the top ten global coffee consumers. In fact, Australians consume less than one cup of coffee per day, making them the 14th highest coffee consuming country in the world.
Coffee Production
Most of the world’s coffee supply is produced in tropical countries near the equator. Brazil is the leading producer, its beans accounting for almost one-third of the world’s coffee production. Other leading producers include Vietnam, Colombia, Indonesia, and Ethiopia.
Coffee production is an important economic activity for many countries. In Brazil, 25 million people are employed in the coffee sector, making it the largest employer of agricultural labor in the country.
Coffee production also provides an important source of income for many smallholder farmers. For example, the average farm in Ethiopia earns more than 80 percent of its income from the sale of coffee.
The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) estimates that more than 20 million smallholder farmers in Ethiopia depend on the coffee industry for their livelihoods. This dependence has been further highlighted by the recent coronavirus pandemic, which has caused coffee prices to decline.
Coffee is not only a source of income in Ethiopia, but an important export as well. Ethiopia is the birthplace of coffee and its beans are renowned for their unique flavor and aroma. In 2016, Ethiopia was the fifth-largest exporter of coffee, with exports valued at $800 million.
How Coffee is Processed
Coffee is typically processed in three stages: picking, cleaning, and roasting. Coffee beans are usually hand-picked from coffee trees, then cleaned and hulled. The beans are then sorted according to size and grade before being roasted.
Roasting is the most important step in coffee processing as it affects the flavor, aroma, and body of the coffee. Once the coffee is roasted, it is then packaged and shipped to the consumer.
The coffee industry is highly competitive and many coffee companies take steps to ensure quality control, such as careful monitoring of temperatures during roasting and strict quality assurance testing when the coffee arrives in-house.
Coffee is a popular drink around the world, and the industry is worth billions of dollars annually. It is an important source of income for many smallholder farmers and provides employment to millions of people around the world. With such a massive impact, it is no wonder why some countries drink the most coffee.
Consumption of Instant Coffee
Instant coffee has been popular for years and is a convenient, popular way to enjoy the beverage. According to the International Coffee Organization, 19.4% of the world’s coffee is consumed in the form of instant coffee.
Instant coffee is most popular in Asia and Oceania, where countries like Japan and South Korea consume the highest amount of instant coffee in the world. In contrast, Europe and the United States prefer fresh roast coffee, although instant coffee is still popular in these regions.
Instant coffee has a long shelf-life and is more cost-effective than fresh brew, making it a popular option for those on a budget. Instant coffee is also a great option for convenience and can be enjoyed easily on the go.
Instant coffee is also a great option for travelers who cannot afford to buy fresh beans or brewing equipment. It has become an important part of the coffee culture in many countries, including Japan, South Korea, and Taiwan.
Coffee Farming Around the World
Coffee farming is widespread and extremely important for many developing countries. Coffee is grown in over 70 countries around the world, with over 25 million people employed in the industry.
Coffee is grown in tropical countries and the humid, wet climates are usually suitable for growing coffee beans. Some of the largest coffee producing countries in the world include Brazil, Colombia, Ethiopia, and Indonesia.
Smallholder farmers play an important role in the coffee industry. These farmers usually grow coffee for their own consumption, but may also sell it to local markets. In some countries like Ethiopia, smallholder farmers can represent up to 95% of all coffee producers.
Aside from the warmer climates, coffee thrives in areas with nutrient-rich soils, high elevations, and consistent temperatures. Many coffee plantations grow coffee in shade-free environments, which helps to preserve the diverse ecosystems found at higher altitudes.
Coffee production also has a significant impact on the environment, including soil erosion and water pollution. Fortunately, many coffee companies have implemented sustainable practices, such as organic and shade-grown farming, to mitigate the environmental impacts of coffee cultivation.
Environmental Impacts of Coffee Farming
Coffee cultivation and processing is an energy- and water-intensive process, and has considerable environmental impacts. Coffee farming also contributes to deforestation, as more land is needed to grow coffee.
In addition, coffee farms use large amounts of water and fertilizer, which can lead to water pollution and soil erosion. Coffee waste is also an environmental concern, as it often contains toxic chemicals that can leach into the soil and water.
Climate change and extreme weather events also pose a risk to coffee production. Higher temperatures, shorter wet seasons, and shifting rainfall patterns can all have a negative impact on coffee production.
Fortunately, many coffee companies are taking steps to address these environmental issues. Some are using practices such as water conservation, sustainable farming, and carbon offsets to reduce their environmental impact.
Additionally, some companies are creating innovative technologies to increase crop yields and reduce energy and water use. For example, some companies are using LED lighting and automated climate control systems to reduce energy use and optimize growing conditions.
