Coffee has been a global phenomenon since antiquity. It is consumed for its psychoactive properties and its flavor, with the percentage of global coffee drinkers estimated to be around 50% of the population. Coffee has long been a key ingredient in the development of cultures across the world, with its use spurring on global industry and trade.
To understand the percentage of people who drink coffee around the world, one must first look at the region-by-region statistics. The Geographic Distribution of Global Coffee Production released by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations in March 2020 reveals that, of the total coffee production
- Brazil holds the top spot with 31% of the world’s total production.
- Vietnam contributes to the world’s production at 15%, and Indonesia is third with 8%.
- India, Colombia, Ethiopia, and Honduras round out the top seven global producers.
Given the countries that produce the most coffee, it is no surprise that around the world, approximately half of the global population drink coffee on a daily basis. There are regional differences, of course; in the Americas, just over two-thirds of the population drinks coffee daily, while in Western Europe the figure is slightly lower at 57%.
In Africa, 29% of the population drinks coffee every day. In Oceania, the figure drops down to 24%, and in Asia and the Pacific it is only 18%. At the lower end of the spectrum, the Middle East follows suit with only 17%.
The World Coffee Production Report published by the International Coffee Organization (ICO) in 2020found that out of the total world population, around 2.25 billion people drink coffee daily. This represents a staggering 49% of the world’s population, making it one of the most popular beverages of all time.
To better understand why coffee is so widely drunk, one needs to consider its health benefits. Coffee has helpful antioxidants and is filled with caffeine, which can help to enhance mental alertness and focus. According to the International Coffee Organization, moderate consumption of coffee is linked with a range of positive health outcomes, including a reduced risk of some diseases.
It is true that coffee can adversely affect our health when consumed in high amounts, as it can lead to heart palpitations, headaches, and anxiousness. However, in general, help benefits of coffee consumption outweigh the negative.
Coffee Trends
When taking a historical look at coffee consumption rates around the world, there appears to be a steady rise in global coffee consumption occurring over the past few decades. According to the World Economic Forum, global coffee consumption grew by more than 38% between 2000 and 2017.
In 2017, the global coffee market was worth over $128 billion and was projected to grow to over $200 billion by 2027. This can largely be attributed to the rise of specialty coffee retailers all around the world, such as Starbucks, who have increased coffee’s appeal to younger demographic.
The coffee industry is also adapting to consumer trends. Coffee companies are now offering more varieties of coffee, such as decaffeinated, organic, and fair-trade coffee. These new types of coffee are in high demand, with the organic coffee market alone expected to reach $37 billion by 2027.
Furthermore, the World Coffee Report from 2020found that the specialty coffee industry is growing particularly fast. The demand for high-quality espresso and craft coffee drinks is higher than ever, with specialty coffee retail now representing approximately 25% of the global coffee market.
Economic Impact of Coffee
Being such a popular beverage, it is no surprise that coffee has a significant economic impact. Coffee is a major export product in many countries. For example, in Brazil, coffee contributes to one-third of the country’s total agricultural exports, while in Ethiopia and Uganda, over 90% of their agricultural exports are coffee.
Coffee is also an important source of income for farmers in developing countries. According to the United Nations Environment Programme, over 120 million people rely on coffee for their livelihoods.
Coffee does not just benefit farmers, however. Many jobs in the production, packaging, distribution, and sale of coffee create much-needed employment. The ICO found that in 2016, over 6 million people were employed in the production and preparation of coffee.
In addition, coffee is also responsible for a large portion of global tax revenue. According to the World Economic Forum, country-level taxation of coffee represented a total of $45 billion in 2019.
Conclusion
It is clear that coffee consumption is a deeply embedded part of the global culture, with over two billion people drinking coffee every day. Coffee is not just consumed for its taste, but also for its health benefits and its important contribution to global economy. With the coffee industry continuing to grow and reach new demographics, now is the perfect time to consider increasing your coffee consumption.
