Coffee is one of the most popular beverages in the world, with an estimated 2.25 billion cups of coffee consumed each day. Whether it is served as espresso, cappuccino or instant coffee, its invigorating aroma and deep flavor is enjoyed all over the world. But just what percentage of the world drinks coffee?
According to market research conducted by Research and Markets, approximately 4.3 billion people worldwide consume coffee each day. This means that more than 50% of the world’s population enjoys the stimulating drink. As the number of coffee drinkers grows, so too does the demand for coffee. A 2017 report by the International Coffee Organisation (ICO) indicated that the global demand for coffee was approximately 16.3 million tonnes in 2016-17, a 7.2% increase year on year.
Coffee consumption varies greatly between countries. According to the National Coffee Association of USA, the US is the biggest consumer of coffee, with an estimated 83% of adults drinking the beverage each day. Other countries with high coffee consumption include Brazil, Finland, and Germany. In contrast, countries such as India and China, where tea is traditionally consumed, coffee consumption is much lower. The ICO estimates coffee consumption in these countries to be below 5%.
So what is it that attracts people to coffee? According to Professor Steven Miller from Cornell University, coffee provides a stimulant that can boost concentration and alertness. He also notes that coffee contains a variety of beneficial antioxidants, which can have a positive impact on health and wellbeing. The invigorating taste and aroma of the drink may also be a factor, as the pleasant and familiar scent of coffee can trigger the brain to release dopamine, increasing feelings of pleasure.
Coffee has become so popular that it has spawned an entire culture, with consumers embracing the ritual of drinking coffee. From coffee-themed music festivals to coffee art, the culture of coffee centres around its consumption and the social bonding it engenders. It is little wonder then, that the percentage of people who drink coffee continues to grow.
Coffee Economics
Coffee is big business. With such high demand and relatively low production costs, it is no surprise that the global coffee market is set to reach a worth of 101.76 billion US dollars by 2027. Price fluctuations in the production of coffee beans can, however, lead to sharp drops in profits and greatly affect the livelihoods of coffee farmers.
Studies conducted by Dr. Ruggero Ranieri of the University of Pisa revealed that coffee prices can fluctuate due to several factors, such as weather, imports, exports and the supply chain structure. According to Ranieri, it is essential for the industry to have a stable and well-defined value chain so as to avoid these financial instability and ensure a sustainable future for the coffee industry.
To this end, ethical coffee companies have emerged, providing consumers with the opportunity to buy coffee from farms that treat their workers fairly, pay competitive wages and use environmentally-friendly methods. As well as providing a living wage for farmers, these companies strive to provide consumers with unique, high-quality coffee blends.
Is Coffee Good or Bad for You?
The debate over whether coffee is good or bad for you has been raging for centuries. Dr. Stephen Miller notes that while coffee can stimulate the nervous system, its effects can be intense, leading to anxiety and even heart palpitations in some individuals. Too much caffeine also increases dehydration, as it acts as a diuretic and can therefore cause headaches. It is therefore advisable to limit the amount of coffee that you drink in a day.
On the other hand, several studies have affirmed the health benefits of moderate coffee consumption. Research conducted by the World Health Organisation found that that moderate coffee drinking, defined as up to 400 milligrams of caffeine per day – roughly three 8-ounce cups of coffee – is not detrimental to health. Indeed, some studies have shown that coffee can reduce the risk of some illnesses and diseases, such as type 2 diabetes and Parkinson’s disease. Additionally, moderate amounts of coffee have also been linked to improved cognitive performance and memory.
Coffee Alternatives
Coffee isn’t for everyone, and for those who don’t consume the drink, there are plenty of alternatives. One popular alternative is herbal teas, which are caffeine-free. Tea is packed with health benefits, including cancer-fighting antioxidants and the ability to reduce inflammation and improve digestion. Other alternatives include decaffeinated coffee, soy milk lattes, and maca lattes – a superfood beverage made with maca root, almond milk, and honey. Cacao also has a pleasant, naturally sweet flavour and is packed with minerals and antioxidants.
Environmental Impact
The growth in coffee consumption has had a profound impact on the environment. According to Research and Markets, approximately 10.3 billion cups of coffee are served daily, and the sheer volumes of plastic waste and energy used in the production and consumption of coffee has led to increased levels of greenhouse gas emissions.
While companies are striving to reduce their environmental footprints, consumers have a role to play too. By buying coffee from sustainable sources or investing in renewable energy, every effort can make a difference. Additionally, returning coffee capsules or mugs to coffee shops instead of throwing them away and avoiding plastic straws can further reduce emissions.
Craft and Specialty Coffees
In recent years, the proliferation of coffee has been accompanied by a rise in the craft coffee movement. Specialty coffee shops such as Starbucks, and independent coffee companies are striving to provide consumers with unique blends and flavours of coffee. From cold brews to pour ovrs, and flavoured lattes, craft coffee has something to offer everyone.
To ensure that they provide a consistently high-quality product, coffee companies often roast the beans in-house and source them from the best growers in the world. Additionally, many coffee companies have adopted brewing technologies that ensure an even distribution of flavour, thus providing a better coffee-drinking experience.
Conclusion
Coffee has become an integral part of daily life for about 50% of the world’s population. From economic issues to environmental impacts, the discussion surrounding coffee is vast and complex. As coffee consumption grows, so too does the coffee industry, with craft and specialty coffees gaining traction and ethical coffee companies offering consumers more and more choices. Whether you partake in the ritual of coffee-drinking or prefer an alternative, there is no denying that coffee has become a mainstay in daily life and it is unlikely to fade away anytime soon.
