Coffee is part of the everyday life of Finns. According to World Coffee Portal Finland consumes more coffee than any other nation in the world. In 2019 a research showed that Finns drank an average of twelve kilograms of coffee per person. It is said to be a cultural phenomenon that dates back to the 18th century.
To understand the Finnish coffee culture you need to understand the history. Coffee was introduced to the Finnish region in the late 1700s by the then Swedish King Gustav III. The taxed the product heavily which made it extremely expensive and only accessible to the wealthy. The wealthy Finns at the time would drink coffee in private salons, rubbing elbows with the elite.
Eventually, coffee became more accessible to the public and coffee houses started to appear in the early 1800s. These early coffee houses were gathering places for artists and intellectuals, who would often spend their evenings enjoying the warm conversations and sipping on the black gold.
The coffee culture was further solidified in the 18th century when the Finnish government banned the sale of alcohol after 10pm. This meant that Finns had to find something else to will keep them warm during the cold Nordic winter days and that’s when coffee came to the rescue, as a new and exciting form of entertainment.
Today, coffee consumption in Finland is as strong as ever. Coffee is seen as an essential part of Finnish identity, something that sets Finns apart from other countries. Finns not only enjoy coffee outside of the house, but they also brew it in their homes. It is a part of their daily ritual, something that they look forward to each day.
The Finnish coffee culture is quite extensive and it has even been argued that it serves as an integral part of the Finnish social culture. Coffee is enjoyed in all sorts of ways, often times accompanied with traditional treats such as pulla, a Finnish sweet bread.
Experts suggest that the Finns love of coffee is due to the fact that they use it as a social tool. It serves as a way to connect with each other and foster relationships. Coffee tends to unite people, regardless of their differences and this is quite evident in the Finnish culture.
Consumption of Coffee over Time
One of the main reasons why Finns drink so much coffee is because their consumption of coffee has been steadily increasing over the years. Since the 1950s the average consumption of coffee has doubled, climbing up to an average of 12 kilograms per Finn in 2019. This makes Finland one of the highest consumers of coffee per capita among all countries in the world.
This upward trend has continued even after the Nordic countries also increased their consumption of alcohol, making coffee the go-to choice for many Finns. Coffee consumption has also grown in the younger generation, with more young people now drinking coffee than ever before.
On top of that, the popularity of specialty coffee shops in the past decade has further popularized the consumption of coffee. These popular coffee shops often serve premium coffees with different flavors, making drinking coffee an even more enjoyable experience.
Reasons for Increase in Consumption
Aside from its rich cultural history, one of the main reasons why Finns love their coffee is because it helps energize them during their busy lives. Coffee increases energy levels and alertness, traits which are essential in keeping up with Finnish work schedules.
On top of that, experts claim that Finland’s unique geography and environment play a role in their love of coffee. The country’s long winters, the presence of darkness for much of the year, and the fact that the country was traditionally an agrarian community with long working hours, all these factors contribute to the Finns need of coffee.
Coffee has been a part of the national identity of Finns for centuries now, making it an inseparable part of their culture. Thanks to the increasing availability of coffee, Finns can now enjoy a cup of coffee in their own homes or in coffee shops. It is not just a staple of the Finnish diet but also an integral part of their social and cultural lives.
Economic Impact of Coffee
Due to the high demand for coffee in Finland, coffee is a significant economic force in the Finnish economy. The sale of coffee beans and coffee-related products generates a significant amount of revenue for the country. In 2019, the total revenue generated by coffee was estimated to be close to 5.3 billion euros.
Coffee has also created thousands of jobs in Finland. In 2019, the number of people employed in the coffee industry was estimated to be close to 25,000, making it one of the most important economic forces in the country.
Moreover, due to the rising popularity of specialty coffee, a lot of coffee shops and cafes have opened up across the country, further boosting the Finnish economy. These specialty coffee shops play an important role in the Finnish landscape, as they are seen as a hub for socializing and leisure activities.
Conclusion
Finns consume more coffee than any other nation in the world which is a testament to the importance of coffee in their culture. Over the years Finns have embraced coffee as an integral part of their social culture and today it is played an important role in their lives. The coffee industry has also made a significant contribution to the Finnish economy, generating billions of Euros in revenue and providing thousands of jobs to the people of Finland.
