What State Drinks The Most Coffee Per Capita?
When it comes to coffee consumption, Americans drink more than in any other country. In fact, it is estimated that we, as a nation, consume over 400 million cups each day. But, The US is made up of 50 states so, how often do we drink coffee and who drinks the most? To answer this, we have to look at which state drinks the most coffee per capita.
Coffee consumption is calculated in kilograms (kg) of coffee consumed per capita per year. According to The National Coffee Association’s (NCA) National Coffee Drinking Trends report, the 2019 average in the US was 13.8 kg. Despite the overall per capita consumption, some states are far more enthusiastic about their caffeine fix than others.
The 2018 NCA report shows that Finland was the world’s leading coffee-drinking nation with an average of 12 kg per capita annually. However, the US weighs in at second, with an average of 9.9 kg. When looking at individual states, and conducting a survey of approximately 10,000 adults, it is found that the state which drinks the most coffee per capita is New Hampshire.
New Hampshire drinks an astonishing 19.8 kg of coffee per person per year – almost double the national average. This is good news for New Hampshire’s coffee shops, as business booms. In fact, locally-owned cafes and other coffee shops thrive in New Hampshire due to the state’s growing love of the drink.
Gary Miller is a professor at the University of New Hampshire, who has studied the state’s high rates of coffee consumption. He believes that cheerful weather and a young demographic are two factors which contribute to the state’s “caffeinated culture”. He explains that New Hampshire’s mountainous terrain attracts hikers, campers, and adventurers who appreciate the convenience of a quality cup of hot coffee.
Beyond this, he suggests that college-educated millennials are also highly represented in New Hampshire, and that this generation, who are used to the accessibility and variety of coffee, tend to be more informed and passionate about their coffee choices.
Educational Institutions in New Hampshire – Supporting Coffee Consumption
According to Miller’s study, many educational institutions in New Hampshire are helping to fuel the region’s coffee revolution. For example, some of the state’s leading universities have invested in specialized espresso machines and aeropress machines, which allow students and staff to make more varieties of espresso-based coffee drinks.
Moreover, Miller explains that these universities regularly host student barista competitions, where students compete with their own coffee recipes. This kind of event is often streamed on YouTube or Instagram, generating further interest in the state’s coffee culture.
Additionally, Miller has determined that many of these universities offer coffee appreciation courses. These courses give students the opportunity to learn more about the farming practices, roasting techniques, and brewing methods behind premium coffee.
New Hampshire’s Glee Club
Aside from educational institutions, Miller has also noted what he calls the “Glee Club” – coffee shops in New Hampshire that go beyond coffee and provide education about coffee. This kind of place is referred to as a “third space” – a place that students, entrepreneurs, and locals congregate and interact.
Coffee shops are often referred to as “third spaces” because they offer a social environment and professional services, such as Wi-Fi and print copying. In this context, what starts out as a coffee date can quickly develop into a multi-dimensional experience for those looking to learn and make connections.
Places like The Fig & Farro in Concord and the Busy Bee Cafe in Manchester are helping to educate those who share a passion for coffee. These outlets offer interactive experiences that allow customers to learn how to make espressos, lattes, and cappuccinos while networking with coffee connoisseurs.
The beauty of New Hampshire’s Glee Club is that it allows people to get to know their local coffee scene without having to miss out on the latest trends and flavors. In addition, it provides an opportunity for entrepreneurs to meet potential customers and business partners.
How State Taxes Could Change the Coffee Scene
Although New Hampshire’s coffee culture is strong and well established, it could potentially be subject to change in the near future. This is due to the state’s high taxes on coffee products – in 2019, the sales tax for coffee was 10%.
Miller has talked about the potential impacts of this tax increase on the local coffee scene. He suggests that, as the state’s taxes continue to be raised, local coffee shops will see a decrease in their profits, leading to the closure of many businesses and the loss of jobs.
Moreover, Miller warns that this could lead to reduced innovation, as businesses look for ways to cut costs. This could potentially stifle New Hampshire’s coffee culture and change the way people interact with coffee in the state.
Does New Hampshire Have A Sustainable Coffee Model?
When it comes to sustainability, New Hampshire has yet to offer a comprehensive model. While some local cafes are supporting local farms, benefits are yet to be seen.
Furthermore, the state is yet to focus on ethical sourcing. The majority of coffee produced in New Hampshire is “fair-trade” certified, but the small state does not often focus on “direct-trade” certifications and partnerships. This is a setback for New Hampshire’s coffee culture, as the direct-trade model allows for the establishment of partnerships between coffee roasters and farmers, allowing both parties to gain better understanding and control over the supply chain.
While New Hampshire is not yet on par with other regions, it is undoubtedly making strides in the fight for a more transparent and sustainable coffee system. With a number of initiatives focusing on sustainability, it is likely that New Hampshire, and the US as a whole, will continue to make positive strides in the future.
The Beneficiaries of New Hampshire’s Coffee Culture
New Hampshire’s enthusiasm for coffee has clear benefits for the state’s economy. As a result, the hospitality industry and other businesses are growing, and local communities are thriving.
Miller’s study shows that small businesses create new job opportunities, while further expanding the state’s infrastructure. Additionally, as one of the main beneficiaries, the hospitality industry is quickly adapting and diversifying its services to meet the needs of the growing coffee market.
As the NCA states, even though local businesses benefit from the coffee boom, data suggests that the majority of coffee purchased in New Hampshire is consumed at home. This suggests that New Hampshire locals are buying locally-produced coffee, and incorporating the drink into their daily routines.
What Does The Future Hold For New Hampshire’s Coffee Lovers?
Overall, it appears that New Hampshire’s coffee lovers are in for a real treat – with a variety of coffee outlets, a strong sense of culture, and a focus on sustainability, locals have never had more options when it comes to coffee.
Despite the success of New Hampshire’s coffee industry, Miller is still cautious. He suggests that in the future, local businesses need to embrace more sustainable practices in order to continue to grow and remain profitable. Additionally, he advises the state’s businesses to remain focused on partnering with local farms to secure the long-term success of the industry.
In conclusion, it is evident that New Hampshire’s coffee market has the potential to revolutionize the industry and set the trend for other US states to follow. With the right strategies in place, there is no limit to what the future of New Hampshire’s coffee culture can be.
